Inherit
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnˈhɛɹɪt/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Inherit is a verb meaning (transitive) To receive (property, a title, etc.), by legal succession or bequest after the previous owner's death.
Meaning
(transitive) To receive (property, a title, etc.), by legal succession or bequest after the previous owner's death.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To take possession of as a right (especially in Biblical translations).
- (transitive, biology) To receive a characteristic from one's ancestors by genetic transmission.
- (transitive) To derive from people or conditions previously in force.
- (computing, programming, transitive) To derive (existing functionality) from a superclass.
- (computing, programming, transitive) To derive a new class from (a superclass).
- (transitive, obsolete) To put in possession of.
Example Sentences
This, or else nothing, will inherit her
Your descendants will inherit the earth.
After Grandad died, I inherited the house.
This country has inherited an invidious class culture.
Word Forms
- inherits
- inheriting
- inherited
Antonyms for inherit
Common opposites include bequeath, leave.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include heir, heritage, inheritance, legacy, heirloom, estate.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.