Hereditary

/həˈrɛd.ɪ.tɛr.i/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Passing or capable of passing naturally from parent to offspring.

Some diseases are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down through families.

Derived from one's ancestors; having certain traits or characteristics inherited from previous generations.

He has a hereditary penchant for music, as many family members were musicians.

Relating to or denoting a title, office, or right that is passed down through family lineage.

The title of duke is hereditary, passed down from father to son.

Involving inheritance in terms of rights, privileges, or property.

She claimed her hereditary rights to the family estate.

From Middle French 'héréditaire', derived from Latin 'hereditarius'.

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.

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.