LookItUp

inheritance

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɪnˈhɛrətəns/ · UK /ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/

inheritance means: Money, property, or other things that you receive when someone dies.

noun

LEFT AFTER DEATHB2

Money, property, or other things that you receive when someone dies.

  • He spent his inheritance.
  • Her inheritance included a small house.
  • Did you receive an inheritance from your grandmother?

How to use it: an inheritance from someone (She received an inheritance from her uncle.)

Similar words: legacy, bequest

Common phrases: large inheritance, receive an inheritance, inheritance tax

PASSING DOWNC1

The process of receiving things or features from earlier people, generations, or sources.

  • Inheritance explains some family similarities.
  • The disease follows a pattern of genetic inheritance.
  • These languages share words through inheritance from a common ancestor.

How to use it: inheritance of something from someone/something (The study explores the inheritance of traits from parents.)

Similar words: transmission, passing down

Common phrases: genetic inheritance, cultural inheritance, inheritance of something

Questions about inheritance

What does inheritance mean?

Money, property, or other things that you receive when someone dies.

What is inheritance in other languages?

Türkçe: miras · Español: herencia · Français: héritage · Deutsch: Erbe · Italiano: eredità · 日本語: 遺産

How do you pronounce inheritance?

In American English /ɪnˈhɛrətəns/; in British English /ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/.

How do you use inheritance in a sentence?

He spent his inheritance. Her inheritance included a small house.

Learn inheritance while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

inheritance in other languages

More words