to receive money, property, or a title from someone after they have died, to receive qualities, characteristics, or conditions from your parents or ancestors

inherit the earth, inherit a windfall, inherit the mantle

Formal and Informal Expressions of inherit

In different contexts, you can replace 'inherit' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'receive, acquire' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get, score' is a commonplace synonym.

inherit: Explore its Definition & Usage

inherit Definition

1to receive money, property, or a title from someone after they have died
2to receive qualities, characteristics, or conditions from your parents or ancestors

Using inherit: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inherit" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She inherited a fortune from her grandfather.
Example
He inherited his father's blue eyes.
Example
The disease is known to be inherited.
Example
The company's problems were inherited by the new CEO.

inherit Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for inherit

Antonyms for inherit

Phrases with inherit

inherit the earth
to eventually possess or control everything in the world
Example
The ruthless corporation aimed to inherit the earth by buying out all its competitors.
inherit a windfall
to suddenly receive a large amount of money or property
Example
After winning the lottery, she inherited a windfall that changed her life.
inherit the mantle
to take over the role or responsibilities of someone who is retiring or has passed away
Example
After the founder retired, his son inherited the mantle of CEO.

Origins of inherit

from Latin 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'heres' meaning 'heir'

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Summary: inherit in Brief

To 'inherit' [ɪnˈherɪt] means to receive money, property, or qualities from someone who has died or from one's ancestors. It can also refer to receiving conditions or problems from a predecessor, as in 'The company's problems were inherited by the new CEO.' Phrases like 'inherit the earth' and 'inherit a windfall' denote possessing everything or receiving a sudden large amount of money, respectively.