# inherited

/ˌɪnˈhɛɹətɪd/ (US) · /ɪnhˈɛɹɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inherited
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. received from a relative

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- She inherited a small cottage in the countryside from her grandfather.
- 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. passed down through family

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: referring to genetic traits or social conditions transmitted from parents to offspring.

- His bright blue eyes are an inherited trait from his mother's side of the family.
- The researchers studied whether the condition was an inherited disorder or if it was caused by environmental factors later in life.

## Examples

- She inherited a large house from her grandmother.
- When his father passed away, he inherited the family business and all its existing debts.
- While she inherited her mother's artistic talent and sharp wit, she also inherited a predisposition for the same chronic health issues that had plagued her ancestors for generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.