What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heredity
Example
Heredity plays a significant role in determining physical characteristics such as eye color. [heredity: noun]
Example
The science of heredity has made great strides in recent years, allowing us to better understand genetic diseases. [heredity: noun]
inheritance
Example
She received a large inheritance from her grandfather's estate. [inheritance: noun]
Example
The lawyer is handling the inheritance proceedings for the deceased's family. [inheritance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heredity is more commonly used in scientific or biological contexts, while inheritance is more commonly used in legal or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heredity and inheritance?
Inheritance is generally considered a more formal term than heredity, as it is often used in legal or financial contexts.
