adj
Uncommon
hereditary
huh-REH-diht-ree
Hereditary (adj) means Passed down from parent to child, especially through genes. Example: “Certain forms of heart disease can be hereditary.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- hereditaries
- Comparative
- more hereditary
- Superlative
- most hereditary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Certain forms of heart disease can be _____.
Etymology
From Latin hērēditārius, from hērēditās ("inheritance"), from hērēs ("heir").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hereditary
See all rhymes for hereditary →Frequently asked questions
What does “hereditary” mean?
The word “hereditary” means passed down from parent to child, especially through genes. In plain terms, inherited — either a trait passed down genetically, or a title/right passed down through a family.
How do you pronounce “hereditary”?
“Hereditary” is pronounced huh-REH-diht-ree (/həˈɹɛdɪˌtɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “hereditary” in a sentence?
Here is “hereditary” used in a sentence: “Certain forms of heart disease can be hereditary.”
What is another word for “hereditary”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hereditary” include inhereditary.
What is the opposite of “hereditary”?
The opposite of “hereditary” — its antonyms — is nonhereditary.
What part of speech is “hereditary”?
“Hereditary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hereditary” come from?
The word “hereditary” comes from Latin. From Latin hērēditārius, from hērēditās ("inheritance"), from hērēs ("heir").
Is “hereditary” a common word?
“Hereditary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
