heritage
HEHR-ih-tihj
Heritage (noun) means Traditions, buildings, culture, or values passed down from earlier generations. Example: “The old castle is protected as part of the town's heritage.”
noun
1
Traditions, buildings, culture, or values passed down from earlier generations.
"The old castle is protected as part of the town's heritage."
"She grew up learning about her family's Irish heritage."
"When a language dies members of the culture of which that language was once a part may attempt to hold on to their linguistic heritage, if not by the use of the defunct language itself, at least by the preservation of its script."
— J. N. Adams, The Republic: inscriptions (2007)
"The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the local fishing community."
How to use heritage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe traditions, history, and culture that a person or place inherits from the past.
Common pairings
cultural heritage
heritage site
family heritage
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Word forms
- Plural
- heritages
Fill the gap
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The old castle is protected as part of the town's _____.
Etymology
From Old French eritage/heritage, ultimately from Latin hērēs ("heir").
Related words
Rhymes for heritage
See all rhymes for heritage →Frequently asked questions
What does “heritage” mean?
The word “heritage” means traditions, buildings, culture, or values passed down from earlier generations. In plain terms, the traditions, history, and culture that a person or place inherits from the past.
How do you pronounce “heritage”?
“Heritage” is pronounced HEHR-ih-tihj (/ˈhɛɹ.ɪ.tɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “heritage” in a sentence?
Here is “heritage” used in a sentence: “The old castle is protected as part of the town's heritage.”
What part of speech is “heritage”?
“Heritage” is a noun.
Where does the word “heritage” come from?
The word “heritage” comes from Latin. From Old French eritage/heritage, ultimately from Latin hērēs ("heir").
Is “heritage” a common word?
“Heritage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between heritage and legacy?
Heritage refers to traditions, culture, buildings, and values inherited from earlier generations, usually shared by a whole community. A legacy is more often something specific handed down by one person or event, and it can be personal rather than cultural.
What is the difference between heritage and inheritance?
Inheritance usually means property, money, or genetic traits passed to an individual, while heritage refers to the broader cultural and historical traditions shared across generations. You inherit money, but you belong to a heritage.
What is the difference between heritage and culture?
Culture is the whole way of life of a group in the present, including its customs, arts, and beliefs, while heritage is the part of that culture inherited from the past and valued as something to preserve. Heritage looks backward, whereas culture is ongoing.
What are common collocations with "heritage"?
Common pairings include "cultural heritage," "natural heritage," "heritage site," "rich heritage," and "world heritage." These often describe traditions or places worth protecting for future generations.
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