noun
bequest
bih-KWEHST
Bequest (noun) means Property or money left to someone in a will. Example: “The charity received a generous bequest from a longtime supporter.”
noun
1
Property or money left to someone in a will.
"The charity received a generous bequest from a longtime supporter."
2
Something valuable handed down from the past, such as a tradition or idea.
"Their independence movement left a lasting bequest of civic pride."
How to use bequest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat someone leaves behind for others, typically through a will.
Common mistake
Despite the similar spelling, bequest has no connection to "quest" — that word comes from Latin instead.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a generous bequest
leave a bequest
charitable bequest
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Word forms
- Plural
- bequests
- Third person singular
- bequests
- Past tense
- bequested
Fill the gap
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The charity received a generous _____ from a longtime supporter.
Etymology
From Middle English biqueste, formed from be- plus an Old English root meaning "saying" — related to "quoth," not to "quest."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bequest
See all rhymes for bequest →Frequently asked questions
What does “bequest” mean?
The word “bequest” means property or money left to someone in a will. In plain terms, what someone leaves behind for others, typically through a will.
How do you pronounce “bequest”?
“Bequest” is pronounced bih-KWEHST (/bɪˈkwɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “bequest” in a sentence?
Here is “bequest” used in a sentence: “The charity received a generous bequest from a longtime supporter.”
What is another word for “bequest”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bequest” include bequeathal, legacy, gift and donation.
What part of speech is “bequest”?
“Bequest” is a noun.
Where does the word “bequest” come from?
The word “bequest” comes from Old English. From Middle English biqueste, formed from be- plus an Old English root meaning "saying" — related to "quoth," not to "quest.".
How many meanings does “bequest” have?
“Bequest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: property or money left to someone in a will.
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