What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bequest
Example
She made a bequest in her will, leaving her antique collection to her niece. [bequest: noun]
Example
The philanthropist decided to bequeath a large sum of money to a local charity. [bequeath: verb]
inheritance
Example
He received a substantial inheritance from his late grandfather. [inheritance: noun]
Example
The children inherited their mother's artistic talent. [inherited: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inheritance is more commonly used than bequest in everyday language. Inheritance is a widely recognized term that covers various aspects of receiving property or assets, while bequest is less common and specifically refers to the act of leaving property or assets in a will.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bequest and inheritance?
While bequest is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, inheritance is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
