bequeath
Bequeath (verb) means to leave property or money to someone through a will. Example: “She bequeathed her entire art collection to the city museum.”
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.
Bequeath is the verb ("she bequeathed her jewelry"); bequest is the noun ("the jewelry was her bequest").
Word forms
bequeathed past tense, bequoth past tense, bequethen past tense, bequothen past tense, bequeaths singular
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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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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