Meaning & Definition of word "Inherit"
to
Inherit
/ɪnˈhɛrɪt/
verb:
- 1. To receive (property, a title, or office) as an heir at the death of the previous holder.
- Example: She will inherit her grandmother's estate after she passes away.
- 2. To receive something from someone as a characteristic or quality.
- Example: He inherited his mother's artistic talent.
- 3. To take on or continue a tradition or practice.
- Example: The community aims to inherit the cultural traditions of their ancestors.
- 4. To derive (a quality or characteristic) from a predecessor or ancestor.
- Example: Animals inherit survival traits from their ancestors through natural selection.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'enheriter', from Latin 'inhaereditare'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
inherit the earth:
To gain the ultimate rewards or benefits of life.
inherit from:
To receive something from a specific person or source.
Related Words
heir:
A person who is legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.
lineage:
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
legacy:
Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.
Slang Meanings of inherit
Meaning: To come into wealth or possessions suddenly.
Example Sentence: After his uncle passed away, he hit the jackpot and inherited.
Meaning: To take on someone's habits or characteristics.
Example Sentence: She totally inherited his sense of humor.