English Reference
verb · adjective

inherited

v. · adj.
US /ˌɪnˈhɛɹətɪd/ UK /ɪnhˈɛɹɪtɪd/ in·her·it·ed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Law

    v.to have received money, property, or a title from someone after they died.

    v.the past tense of 'inherit', referring to the legal or social receipt of assets or status from a predecessor.

    Simple

    She inherited a small cottage in the countryside from her grandfather.

    In context

    After the legal proceedings concluded, he inherited the family estate along with the significant debts his father had accumulated.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'from'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    adj.describes a physical quality or a situation you have because of your parents or ancestors.

    adj.referring to genetic traits or social conditions transmitted from parents to offspring.

    Simple

    His bright blue eyes are an inherited trait from his mother's side of the family.

    In context

    The researchers studied whether the condition was an inherited disorder or if it was caused by environmental factors later in life.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated