Inherit

/ɪnˈhɛrɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To receive (property, a title, or office) as an heir at the death of the previous holder.

She will inherit her grandmother's estate after she passes away.

To receive something from someone as a characteristic or quality.

He inherited his mother's artistic talent.

To take on or continue a tradition or practice.

The community aims to inherit the cultural traditions of their ancestors.

To derive (a quality or characteristic) from a predecessor or ancestor.

Animals inherit survival traits from their ancestors through natural selection.

Middle English, from Old French 'enheriter', from Latin 'inhaereditare'.

inherit the earth

To gain the ultimate rewards or benefits of life.

inherit from

To receive something from a specific person or source.

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.

To come into wealth or possessions suddenly.

After his uncle passed away, he hit the jackpot and inherited.

To take on someone's habits or characteristics.

She totally inherited his sense of humor.