verb
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bequeath
bih-KWEETH
Bequeath (verb) means to leave property or money to someone through a will. Example: “She bequeathed her entire art collection to the city museum.”
verb
1
To leave property or money to someone through a will.
"She bequeathed her entire art collection to the city museum."
"His grandfather bequeathed him the old family farm."
2
To pass something down, such as a tradition, idea, or quality.
"The composer bequeathed a rich musical legacy to future generations."
How to use bequeath
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo formally leave something to someone after death, usually through a will — or, more loosely, to pass something on.
Common mistake
Bequeath is the verb ("she bequeathed her jewelry"); bequest is the noun ("the jewelry was her bequest").
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bequeaths
- Past tense
- bequeathed, bequoth, bequethen, bequothen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her entire art collection to the city museum.
Etymology
From Old English becweþan, "to declare, to leave by will," built from be- plus cweþan ("to say").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bequeath
See all rhymes for bequeath →Frequently asked questions
What does “bequeath” mean?
The word “bequeath” means to leave property or money to someone through a will. In plain terms, to formally leave something to someone after death, usually through a will — or, more loosely, to pass something on.
How do you pronounce “bequeath”?
“Bequeath” is pronounced bih-KWEETH (/bɪˈkwiːθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bequeath” in a sentence?
Here is “bequeath” used in a sentence: “She bequeathed her entire art collection to the city museum.”
What is another word for “bequeath”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bequeath” include leave.
What part of speech is “bequeath”?
“Bequeath” is a verb.
Where does the word “bequeath” come from?
The word “bequeath” comes from Old English. From Old English becweþan, "to declare, to leave by will," built from be- plus cweþan ("to say").
How many meanings does “bequeath” have?
“Bequeath” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to leave property or money to someone through a will.
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