patrimony Definition
- 1property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance
- 2the history, traditions, and qualities that a country or society considers to be important, which have been established over a long period and are passed down from one generation to another
Using patrimony: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patrimony" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The family's patrimony included a large estate and several businesses.
Example
The museum displays the cultural patrimony of the region.
Example
The preservation of our cultural patrimony is essential for future generations.
patrimony Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using patrimony
a vast amount of knowledge or information that has been accumulated over time
Example
The university's library is a patrimony of knowledge, with millions of books and documents.
the cultural and natural heritage of humanity as a whole, including sites and artifacts of historical and scientific significance
Example
The Great Barrier Reef is a patrimony of humanity, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
the spiritual and material possessions of the Catholic Church, including art, relics, and buildings
Example
The Vatican Museums contain many treasures from the patrimony of the church, including works by Michelangelo and Raphael.
Phrases with patrimony
cultural heritage that cannot be touched or physically preserved, such as language, music, and folklore
Example
The government is working to protect the intangible patrimony of indigenous communities.
the cultural and natural heritage of a nation, including historical sites, monuments, and artifacts
Example
The national patrimony of Italy includes famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
the collective property and assets of a family, often passed down through generations
Example
The family's patrimony included a large estate and several businesses.
Origins of patrimony
from Latin 'patrimonium', meaning 'inheritance'
Summary: patrimony in Brief
The term 'patrimony' [ˈpætrəməni] refers to property that can be inherited, or the cultural heritage and traditions of a society. It can refer to tangible assets like estates and businesses, or intangible assets like language and music. Examples include 'The family's patrimony included a large estate and several businesses.' and 'The museum displays the cultural patrimony of the region.' Idioms like 'a patrimony of knowledge' and 'patrimony of humanity' denote vast amounts of knowledge or cultural heritage.
