Definition

1. Noun:
   • Property, money, or a title received from someone upon their death: The legal process of receiving assets or titles from a deceased person.
   • A genetic characteristic passed from parent to offspring: A biological trait or feature transmitted through genes.
   • Any cultural, intellectual, or spiritual attribute received from predecessors: A tradition, practice, right, or problem passed down through generations.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to received property or money:
  • She used her inheritance to buy a house.
  • The inheritance was divided equally among the three children.
• Referring to genetic traits:
  • Eye color is often determined by genetic inheritance.
  • The disease was part of his family's inheritance.
• Referring to cultural or non-material legacy:
  • Freedom is a precious inheritance from our forefathers.
  • We have a rich cultural inheritance to protect.

Advanced Usage

• "Inheritance tax": A tax levied on the assets received from a deceased person.
  • The government revised the rates for inheritance tax.
• "Inheritance pattern" (Genetics): The way a particular genetic trait or disorder is passed through generations.
  • Scientists studied the inheritance pattern of the gene.

Variants and Related Words

• Inherit (verb): To receive property, a title, or genetic traits from a predecessor.
  • She will inherit the family business.
• Inheritor (noun): A person who inherits; an heir.
  • The inheritors of the estate were named in the will.
• Inheritable (adjective): Capable of being inherited.
  • Certain rights are inheritable by law.

Synonyms

• Legacy: Something handed down from a predecessor.
• Heritage: Valued objects and qualities, such as cultural traditions and historic buildings, that have been passed down.
• Bequest: The act of giving or leaving personal property by a will.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To come into an inheritance: To receive an inheritance.
  • He came into a large inheritance when he turned twenty-one.
• A poisoned inheritance: A problematic situation or legacy that creates difficulties for those who receive it.
  • The new administration was left with a poisoned inheritance of debt and corruption.

Noun

1. any attribute or immaterial possession that is inherited from ancestors
   • my only inheritance was my mother's blessing
   • the world's heritage of knowledge
2. (genetics) attributes acquired via biological heredity from the parents
3. that which is inherited; a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner
4. hereditary succession to a title or an office or property