'inherit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inhereditare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'hereditare' meant 'to make an heir.'

'inhereditare' transformed into the Old French word 'enheriter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inherit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make someone an heir,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to receive as an heir.'