testate
/'testit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Having made a legally valid will before death: Describes a person who has died leaving a legally executed will.
Noun:
- A person who makes a will: An individual who creates and leaves a valid will upon their death.
Usage
- Adjective: The word is primarily used in legal contexts to describe the status of a deceased person's estate. It is often used with verbs like "die" or in phrases like "testate succession."
- Noun: This usage is less common but refers to the individual who has created the will.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The court confirmed that the wealthy industrialist died testate, so his assets will be distributed according to his written wishes.
- A testate estate typically avoids the lengthy process of intestate probate.
- Noun:
- As a testate, she had carefully outlined her wishes for her art collection.
Advanced Usage
- "To die testate": This is a common legal phrase meaning to die having left a valid will.
- It is advisable to ensure you die testate to prevent family disputes over your property.
Variants and Related Words
- Testacy (n): The state or condition of having died leaving a valid will.
- The principle of testacy ensures the deceased's instructions are followed.
- Intestate (adj/n): The opposite of testate; having died without a valid will.
- If you die intestate, state law determines who inherits your property.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Will-maker (informal), devisor (legal).
- Noun: Devisor, testator/testatrix (more specific legal terms for a male/female will-maker).
Antonyms
- Intestate (adj/n): Describes a person who dies without a valid will or such a person's estate.
Adjective
- having made a legally valid will before death
Noun
- a person who makes a will