Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To receive (property, a title, etc.) as an heir at the death of the previous holder.
   • To receive (a characteristic, trait, or genetic feature) from a parent or ancestor through biological transmission.
   • To receive or be left with (a situation, problem, or legacy) from a predecessor.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To come into possession of something as an heir.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (transitive):

  • She will inherit the family estate when her aunt passes away.
  • He inherited his father's blue eyes and his mother's artistic talent.
  • The new government inherited a severe economic crisis from the previous administration.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • As the only living relative, he stands to inherit.

Advanced Usage

• "to inherit the mantle of": To assume a role or position of responsibility, authority, or leadership from a predecessor.

  • She inherited the mantle of leadership after the founder retired.

• "to inherit the earth": A biblical allusion (from the Beatitudes, "the meek shall inherit the earth") meaning to come into possession of something great or to ultimately prevail.

  • In the long run, the most adaptable companies will inherit the earth.

Variants and Related Words

• Inheritance (n): The action of inheriting; the money, property, or title received from an ancestor or predecessor.
  • He received a large inheritance from his grandfather.
• Inheritor (n): A person who inherits something; an heir.
  • She is the sole inheritor of the collection.
• Inheritable (adj): Capable of being inherited.
  • Certain genetic conditions are inheritable.

Synonyms

• Receive (as an heir).
• Accede to (a title or position).
• Come into (informal, e.g., ).
• Succeed to (a throne, title).

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Inherit" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb typically stands alone or is used with prepositions like "from.")

Related Idioms

• To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth: To be born into a wealthy family and inherit wealth and privilege.
  • He never had to work; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
• Like father, like son: Used to suggest a son has inherited characteristics or behavior from his father.
  • He's just as stubborn as his dad—like father, like son.

Verb

1. receive by genetic transmission
   • I inherited my good eyesight from my mother
2. receive from a predecessor
   • The new chairman inherited many problems from the previous chair
3. obtain from someone after their death
   • I inherited a castle from my French grandparents