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heritage

HAIR-ih-tij /ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ/

nounB2IELTSTOEFL

neutral

Property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance; in food, relating to traditional breeds of animals or varieties of plants.

Heritage breeds (like Berkshire pigs) or heritage seeds (like heirloom tomatoes) are those that have been passed down for generations without industrial modification.

The story behind the word. Originally a legal term for property passed to an heir. In the 20th century, it expanded to include 'cultural heritage'—the intangible things like recipes and stories that a society 'inherits' from its ancestors.

Word relationships

inheritance: Inheritance usually refers to money or property; heritage refers to culture, traditions, and biological legacy.
legacy: Legacy is what you leave behind; heritage is what you receive from the past.

innovation: The introduction of something new.

Commonly confused with

heirloom: In gardening, 'heirloom' is often used for plants, while 'heritage' is used for both plants and animals.

Word family

inherit (verb): To receive from one's ancestors.

Collocations

cultural heritage
heritage breed
heritage seeds
culinary heritage

Example sentences

"By planting heritage seeds, farmers help preserve genetic diversity that might otherwise be lost to industrial farming." Discussing agricultural biodiversity.
"The recipe is part of her family's culinary heritage, passed down from her great-grandmother." A cultural reference to food.

Memory hook

Heritage is what you 'inherit' from the 'age' before you. A gift from the past.

When not to use

Don't use it for modern hybrids or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Fun facts

UNESCO designates 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' sites, which include the 'Gastronomic meal of the French.'