intestate
|in-tes-tate|
C1
/ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/
without a will
Etymology
Etymology Information
'intestate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intestatus', where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'testatus' meant 'witnessed or testified'.
Historical Evolution
'intestatus' transformed into the Old French word 'intestat', and eventually became the modern English word 'intestate'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not witnessed or testified', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not having made a will'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who has died without having made a will.
The intestate's property was distributed according to state law.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/12 15:21