Meaning & Definition of Inheritance in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual.

  Example Sentence: Upon the death of her father, she received a substantial inheritance.

• Definition: Genetic qualities or characteristics handed down from previous generations.

  Example Sentence: His musical talent is a result of his inheritance from his family.

• Definition: Something that is received from a predecessor.

  Example Sentence: The community's cultural heritage is considered part of its inheritance.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'inhaerentia', meaning 'to stick to or cling to'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• inheritance tax: A tax levied on the value of property or money inherited from a deceased person.
• lineal inheritance: Inheritance that is passed down through direct descendants.
• inheritance planning: The process of preparing for the transfer of a person's wealth and assets after death.

Translations

• Spanish: herencia

• French: héritage

• German: Erbschaft

• Russian: наследство

Related Words

• inherit: To receive property or rights from someone upon their death.

• heir: A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

• legacy: An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.

Slang Meanings of inheritance

• Meaning: Old money

  Example Sentence: She comes from old money, with her large inheritance from generations past.

• Meaning: Windfall

  Example Sentence: He just got a windfall from his grandfather’s inheritance.