adj
hereditary
huh-REH-diht-ree
adj
1
Passed down from parent to child, especially through genes.
"Certain forms of heart disease can be hereditary."
"The condition is hereditary and runs in her family."
2
Of a title or position: passed down to a descendant rather than earned or elected.
"The dukedom is hereditary, passing to the eldest son."
How to Use Hereditary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInherited — either a trait passed down genetically, or a title/right passed down through a family.
Common pairings
hereditary disease
hereditary title
hereditary peer
Word Forms
more hereditary comparative, hereditaries plural, most hereditary superlative
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Etymology
From Latin hērēditārius, from hērēditās ("inheritance"), from hērēs ("heir").