patrimony

/'pætriməni/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
patrimony

A family receives their patrimony of land and heirlooms.

Definition

Noun: 1. Property or wealth inherited from one's father or ancestors; heritage. This refers to assets, rights, or status received by right of birth, often emphasizing a family line. 2. An endowment or estate belonging to a church or other institution. This refers to property or funds permanently dedicated to the support of a religious institution.

Usage and Examples
  • Referring to inherited family wealth or legacy:
    • The ancient castle was part of the family's patrimony, passed down for generations.
    • He felt a duty to protect and grow the patrimony he received from his forefathers.
  • Referring to a church's endowment:
    • The land was donated to the cathedral as part of its patrimony.
    • Managing the church's patrimony is the responsibility of the board of trustees.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • Cultural/Intangible Patrimony: The term can be extended metaphorically to refer to non-material inheritance, such as cultural traditions, language, or intellectual heritage.
    • The language is considered the intangible patrimony of the people.
  • Legal Context: In legal terminology, "patrimony" can denote the entire estate, including both assets and liabilities, of a person or institution.
Variants and Related Words
  • Patrimonial (adjective): Relating to or constituting a patrimony; inherited.
    • He had patrimonial rights to the estate.
  • Patrimony is a more formal and specific term than the general word inheritance.
Synonyms
  • Inheritance: Property received from a predecessor.
  • Heritage: Valued objects and qualities, such as historic buildings and cultural traditions, that have been passed down.
  • Legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.
  • Endowment (for the church sense): Property or funds invested for the support of an institution.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
  • To squander one's patrimony: To waste the inheritance one has received.
    • The reckless heir managed to squander his entire patrimony within a few years.
  • Patrimony of the poor: A historical phrase sometimes used to refer to funds or resources dedicated for the aid of the poor, often administered by the church.
patrimony

A family receives their patrimony of land and heirlooms.

Noun
  1. an inheritance coming by right of birth (especially by primogeniture)
  2. a church endowment

Từ đồng nghĩa