inherits
|in-her-its|
/ɪnˈhɛrɪt/
(inherit)
received from ancestors
Etymology
'inherit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inhaereditare' (related to 'heres'), where 'in-' meant 'into/among' and 'heres' meant 'heir'.
'inherit' changed from Old French 'enheriter' (or 'heriter') and entered Middle English as 'inheriten' before becoming the modern English word 'inherit'.
Initially it meant 'to make or be an heir' or 'to possess as an heir', but over time it evolved into the current general senses of 'receive (property, traits, responsibilities) from predecessors'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'inherit'.
She inherits the family home when her aunt dies.
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Verb 2
to receive property, money, a title, etc., from someone after that person's death.
When their grandfather died, each sibling inherits a small sum.
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Verb 3
to receive genetic characteristics or traits from one's parents or ancestors.
Their son inherits his mother's green eyes.
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Last updated: 2025/09/23 06:39