Inherit

Definition

Receive (money, property, or a title) as an heir at the death of the previous holder.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈhɛrɪt/
• Respelling: in-HER-it (with "in" as in "tin," "HER" as in "her," and "it" as in "sit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈhɛrɪt/
• Respelling: in-HER-it (with "in" as in "tin," "HER" as in "her," and "it" as in "sit")

In both dialects, "inherit" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "HER." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-HER-it."

Etymology

From Middle English "enheriten", from Old French "enheriter", from Latin "in-" ('into') + "hereditare" ('to inherit'), from "heres" ('heir').

Derivatives

• Inheritance (noun)
• Inheritor (noun)
• Inheritable (adjective)
• Inherited (verb, past tense)
• Inheriting (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Bequeath
• Receive
• Accede to

Antonyms

• Disinherit
• Deprive
• Omit

Usage

"Inherit" is commonly used in legal and biological contexts to describe the act of receiving assets from a deceased person or the transmission of genetic traits.

Related Terms

• Legacy
• Bequest
• Heirloom
• Succession
• Birthright

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Inherit (Verb, Legal): To receive property, money, or a title from someone after they have died.
  • Example: "She will inherit her grandmother's estate."

• Inherit (Verb, Genetic): To receive a genetic trait or characteristic from one's parents or ancestors.
  • Example: "He inherited his father's blue eyes."

• Inherit (Verb, General): To derive a quality, characteristic, or predisposition from a predecessor.
  • Example: "The new manager inherited a host of problems from his predecessor."

Note: "Inherit" primarily deals with the acquisition of qualities, traits, or possessions, often from a predecessor or familial connection.