B2verb2K

Inherit

UK /["/ɪnˈherɪt/","/ɪnˈherɪts/","/ɪnˈherɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈherɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈherɪt/","/ɪnˈherɪts/","/ɪnˈherɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈherɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to receive money, property, etc. from somebody when they die

In simple words: To receive property or traits from someone after they die.

Examples

  • She will inherit her grandmother's jewelry after the funeral.
  • He inherited a large estate from his uncle last year.
  • Children often inherit their parents' eye color and hair type.
  • The software inherits properties from the base class in object-oriented programming.
  • When you create a subclass, it inherits methods and attributes from the superclass.

Usage notes

This word is often used in legal and family contexts. It's appropriate when discussing wills or family traits but can be less formal in casual conversations about family traits.

Grammar pattern

inherit + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in' + 'heritage' — what you get from your family.

Collocations

  • stand to
  • from
  • be genetically inherited
  • stand to
  • from
  • be genetically inherited

Synonyms

  • receive
  • acquire
  • gain
  • take over
  • bequeath

Antonyms

  • disinherit
  • forfeit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'hereditary' meaning family traits.
  • Using 'inherit' without an object, as in 'I inherit'.
  • Mistaking 'inherit' for 'inherently' which means naturally.