inheritance
Inheritance (noun) means money, property, or possessions passed to someone after a person's death. Example: “He used his inheritance to pay off the mortgage.”
How to Use Inheritance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat gets passed down to you — most often money or property, but also genes or traits.
Word Forms
inheritances plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He used his _____ to pay off the mortgage.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman enheritaunce, related to "inherit."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inheritance
See all rhymes for inheritance →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “inheritance” mean?
The word “inheritance” means money, property, or possessions passed to someone after a person's death. In plain terms, what gets passed down to you — most often money or property, but also genes or traits.
How do you pronounce “inheritance”?
“Inheritance” is pronounced ihn-HEH-rih-tuhns (/ɪnˈhɛɹɪtəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “inheritance” in a sentence?
Here is “inheritance” used in a sentence: “He used his inheritance to pay off the mortgage.”
What part of speech is “inheritance”?
“Inheritance” is a noun.
Where does the word “inheritance” come from?
The word “inheritance” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman enheritaunce, related to "inherit.".
Is “inheritance” a common word?
“Inheritance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “inheritance” have?
“Inheritance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: money, property, or possessions passed to someone after a person's death.
What is the difference between inheritance and legacy?
Inheritance refers to money, property, or possessions passed to someone after a person's death, while legacy is a broader term that can include an inheritance but also covers the lasting impact or reputation someone leaves behind. All inheritances can be part of a legacy, but not all legacies involve money or property.
What is genetic inheritance?
Genetic inheritance refers to a trait passed down biologically from parent to offspring, such as eye color or height, distinct from the legal sense of inheriting money or property.
Is inheritance always subject to tax?
Whether an inheritance is taxed depends on the jurisdiction and its specific inheritance or estate tax laws, so the money, property, or possessions passed after a death are not automatically tax-free everywhere.