bequest
bih-KWEST
/bɪˈkwɛst/
The act of giving or leaving something by will; a legacy or gift of personal property left to someone in a will.
Refers to the actual gift itself (the noun), whereas 'bequeath' is the act of giving (the verb).
The story behind the word. The noun form developed in Middle English as 'bequeste', modeled on words like 'quest'. It is the direct partner to the verb 'bequeath'. Historically, a bequest was a verbal promise made on a deathbed, witnessed by family members before written wills became standard.
Word relationships
- legacy: A legacy can be anything handed down (including reputation or values), while a bequest is strictly a legal gift of personal property in a will.
- inheritance: A broad term for anything received from an ancestor, whether by will or by default laws of intestacy.
Commonly confused with
- bequeath: Bequeath is the verb (to give), while bequest is the noun (the gift itself).
Word family
- bequeath (verb): To leave property to a person by a will.
Collocations
- charitable bequest
- specific bequest
- generous bequest
- receive a bequest
Example sentences
- "The museum's collection was significantly enriched by a generous bequest of impressionist paintings from the late philanthropist." A museum's public acknowledgment of a major donation.
- "I direct that the bequest of ten thousand dollars to my cousin be paid free of all inheritance taxes." A clause in a standard will.
Memory hook
A bequest is like a 'best quest'. The executor goes on a 'quest' to deliver the 'best' gifts left to you in the will. A bequest is a quest to deliver a gift.
When not to use
Do not use to describe real estate (land or buildings) in strict legal writing, where the term 'devise' is preferred.
Fun facts
- One of the most famous charitable bequests in history was from James Smithson, a British scientist who had never visited America, yet bequeathed his entire fortune to the United States to found the Smithsonian Institution.
Related words
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