ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hereditary

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //hɝˈɛdəˌtɛɹi// UK //hɪɹˈɛdɪtəɹi// hered·i·tary

adj. passed from parents to their children through genes. It can also describe a title or position that stays in a family.

adj. passed from parent to offspring through genetic inheritance; relating to the transmission of physical or mental characteristics. In a legal or social context, it refers to titles, offices, or rights inherited by birth.


SIMPLE

The doctor asked if the heart condition was hereditary.

CONTEXTUAL

In some countries, the position of head of state is a hereditary role passed down through the royal family.

COMPLEX

While some traits are purely environmental, many chronic conditions have a hereditary component that increases the statistical likelihood of a diagnosis if a biological parent was also affected.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hērēditārius, from hērēditās (“inheritance”), from hērēs (“heir”).

Usage

Often used in medical, biological, and legal contexts. Typically precedes the noun it modifies.

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