What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
descendant
Example
The famous author was a direct descendant of the royal family. [descendant: noun]
Example
She traced her family tree back several generations to find her ancestors and descendants. [descendants: plural noun]
heir
Example
The wealthy businessman left his entire fortune to his only heir. [heir: noun]
Example
The prince was the heir to the throne and would become king one day. [heir: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heir is more commonly used than descendant in everyday language. Heir is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while descendant is less common and is typically used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between descendant and heir?
Heir is generally considered more formal than descendant. It is often used in legal or financial contexts and carries a sense of importance and responsibility. Descendant, on the other hand, is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
