heritage
HAIR-ih-tij
/ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ/
Property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance; valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
Broadly covers both physical property and intangible things like culture, language, and values.
The story behind the word. Rooted in the Latin 'heres', meaning heir. It originally referred to the legal right to inherit land, but expanded to include the 'land' of our culture and history.
Word relationships
- inheritance: Inheritance usually refers to specific money or property; heritage is broader and often cultural.
Commonly confused with
- legacy: Heritage is what we receive from the past; legacy is what we leave for the future.
Word family
- inherit (verb): To receive money, property, or traits from an ancestor.
- inheritor (noun): A person who inherits something.
Collocations
- cultural heritage
- world heritage site
- rich heritage
- national heritage
Example sentences
- "The city is proud of its rich architectural heritage." Cultural identity
- "He felt a strong connection to his Jewish heritage through the stories his grandmother told." Personal history
Memory hook
Heritage is what you 'inherit' from the 'age' before you. Inherited age.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean just 'DNA'; use 'ancestry' for biological traits.
Fun facts
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designates 'World Heritage Sites' to protect places of outstanding universal value.
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Relationships → Generational Differences
- Arts & Literature → Cultural Heritage & Folklore
- Travel & Culture → Tourism & Landmarks
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Diversity & Customs
- Travel & Culture → Historical Monuments
- 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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