Meaning & Definition of word "Hereditary"
Hereditary
/həˈrɛd.ɪ.tɛr.i/
adjective:
- 1. Passing or capable of passing naturally from parent to offspring.
- Example: Some diseases are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down through families.
- 2. Derived from one's ancestors; having certain traits or characteristics inherited from previous generations.
- Example: He has a hereditary penchant for music, as many family members were musicians.
- 3. Relating to or denoting a title, office, or right that is passed down through family lineage.
- Example: The title of duke is hereditary, passed down from father to son.
- 4. Involving inheritance in terms of rights, privileges, or property.
- Example: She claimed her hereditary rights to the family estate.
Etymology
●From Middle French 'héréditaire', derived from Latin 'hereditarius'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
hereditary influence:
The impact of inherited traits on an individual's characteristics.
hereditary disease:
A condition passed down from parents to children.
hereditary monarchy:
A form of government where the position of monarch is passed down through family lines.
Related Words
inheritance:
The process by which property, titles, debts, rights, and obligations are passed down to heirs.
lineage:
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
genealogy:
The study and tracing of lines of descent or development.