heritage
HER-ih-tij
/ˈher.ɪ.t̬ɪdʒ/
Property, traditions, or features of a society that are passed down through generations.
Heritage is collective (national or cultural), whereas legacy is often individual.
The story behind the word. Coming from the same root as 'heir,' heritage originally referred to the legal right of an heir to inherit property. It expanded in the 20th century to include the cultural 'property' of a whole nation.
Word relationships
- patrimony: Patrimony is a more formal, legalistic term for inherited property or rights.
Commonly confused with
- legacy: Heritage is the 'roots' you come from; legacy is the 'fruit' you leave behind.
Word family
- inherit (verb): To receive from a predecessor.
- heritable (adjective): Capable of being inherited.
Collocations
- cultural heritage
- national heritage
- heritage site
Example sentences
- "Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards - the things we live by and teach our children - are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings." Cultural preservation.
- "The city's architectural heritage is visible in its well-preserved 18th-century buildings." Architecture.
Memory hook
Heritage is the 'heart' of your 'age' (history). Heritage is the history you hold.
When not to use
Don't use it for a single person's bank account; use 'inheritance' for that.
Fun facts
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of 'outstanding universal value' to humanity.
Also appears in
- Arts & Literature → Cultural Heritage & Folklore
- Travel & Culture → Tourism & Landmarks
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Diversity & Customs
- Travel & Culture → Historical Monuments
- Time & History → Ancestry & Heritage
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Indigenous Populations
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Gastronomy & Cultural Cuisine
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Tribal Communities & Integration
- Occasions, Holidays & Parties → National Independence Days
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