What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heritage
Example
The city is proud of its rich cultural heritage. [heritage: noun]
Example
She inherited her grandmother's jewelry as part of her family heritage. [heritage: noun]
patrimony
Example
The museum displays the patrimony of the indigenous people of the region. [patrimony: noun]
Example
He inherited his father's land as part of his patrimony. [patrimony: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heritage is more commonly used than patrimony in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heritage and patrimony?
Patrimony may be more formal or technical than heritage, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
