bequeath
To leave property, assets, or personal belongings to a person or beneficiary by a will.
Historically, 'bequeath' referred specifically to personal property (like jewelry or money), while 'devise' referred to real estate (land). Today, it is used more broadly for any inheritance, including abstract legacies like values or knowledge.
Word relationships
- leave: A common, everyday term, whereas 'bequeath' is formal and carries legal weight.
- bestow: Means to present as a gift, but it usually happens during the giver's lifetime and does not require a will.
- disinherit: To deliberately prevent someone from receiving an inheritance.
Commonly confused with
- devise: In strict legal terms, you bequeath personal property (goods) but devise real property (land).
Word family
- bequest (noun): The act of bequeathing; a legacy or gift left in a will.
Collocations
- bequeath to
- solemnly bequeath
- bequeath an estate
Example sentences
- "I bequeath unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture." A famous line from William Shakespeare's will. (The Last Will and Testament of William Shakespeare (1616))
- "Beyond his financial wealth, he sought to bequeath a deep love of classical music and literature to his children." Discussing a non-material legacy passed down through generations.
Memory hook
Think of 'bequeath' as 'be-quiet'. When you are dead and 'quiet' forever, your will speaks for you to give away your things. Bequeath is the verb; bequest is the noun.
When not to use
Do not use this for casual, lifetime gift-giving. It specifically implies giving something that takes effect after death, usually through a formal will.
Fun facts
- The oldest known written will is that of Sekhenren, an Egyptian prince, dating to around 2500 BCE, in which he bequeathed his estate to his wife and children.
Related words
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