Definition

1. Noun:
   • Property that is or can be inherited; an inheritance: Something passed down from preceding generations, such as property, a title, or status.
   • Valued traditions, monuments, and cultural achievements passed down through history: The collective legacy of a society, including its artistic, architectural, and intellectual works.
   • A special or individual possession, quality, or tradition received from the past: An attribute, practice, or principle that originates from one's ancestors or history.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient castle is part of our national heritage and must be preserved.
  • She values the heritage of storytelling that runs in her family.
  • Freedom of speech is a precious heritage of our democracy.

Advanced Usage

• "World Heritage Site": A landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO, recognized as being of outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity.

  • The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• "Cultural heritage": The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations.

  • The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Variants and Related Words

• Heritable (adj): Capable of being inherited.
  • Certain genetic traits are heritable.
• Inheritance (n): The act of receiving property, a title, etc., by legal succession or will upon the death of the previous holder; also, a genetic characteristic.
  • He received a large financial inheritance from his grandfather.

Synonyms

• Legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.
• Inheritance: Something received from a predecessor.
• Tradition: A long-established custom or belief passed from generation to generation.
• Birthright: A right or privilege possessed by a person by birth.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A heritage to cherish": A legacy that should be valued and protected.

  • This historic library is a heritage to cherish for future generations.

• "To squander one's heritage": To waste or misuse the legacy one has received.

  • By neglecting the ancient manuscripts, they risk squandering their cultural heritage.

Noun

1. hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
2. that which is inherited; a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner
3. any attribute or immaterial possession that is inherited from ancestors
   • my only inheritance was my mother's blessing
   • the world's heritage of knowledge
4. practices that are handed down from the past by tradition
   • a heritage of freedom