hereditary
huh-RED-ih-tair-ee
/hɪˈred.ɪ.tər.i/
Conferred by or based on inheritance or birth rather than merit or individual effort.
Can refer to genetic traits passed biological parents or social positions passed legally/traditionally.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Latin 'hereditarius' (pertaining to an inheritance), derived from 'heres' (heir). It entered Middle English via Old French in the 15th century to describe legal rights passed from parent to child.
Word relationships
- inherited: 'Inherited' is more common in general speech; 'hereditary' carries a stronger legal and formal weight.
- ancestral: 'Ancestral' refers to origin from ancestors, while 'hereditary' stresses the mechanism of passage down generations.
- acquired: 'Acquired' status is earned through individual effort rather than granted by birth.
- elective: 'Elective' positions are chosen by vote rather than inherited.
Commonly confused with
- hereditament: 'Hereditament' is a legal noun for property that can be inherited; 'hereditary' is an adjective.
Word family
- heredity (noun): The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.
- hereditarily (adverb): By way of inheritance.
Collocations
- hereditary peerage
- hereditary title
- hereditary monarch
- hereditary privilege
Example sentences
- "In a hereditary monarchy, political leadership passes automatically from parent to child." Political history
- "Hereditary privileges made social mobility nearly impossible for peasant families." Sociological study
Memory hook
HEREDITARY has 'HEIR' hidden inside it — passed to the heir. Passed down to the HEIR.
When not to use
Do not use for traits or positions acquired through personal effort, training, or election.
Fun facts
- The British House of Lords contained hundreds of hereditary peers who held legislative power solely due to birth until major reforms in 1999.
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