hereditary — passed down from parent to child through genes or family tradition
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: passed down from parent to child through genes or family tradition
Pronunciation (IPA): /həˈredɪteri/
Example Sentences
- His hereditary baldness started showing at age 25, just like his father and grandfather.
- The hereditary peer refused to give up his castle, claiming it was his birthright.
- Scientists discovered that her love for spicy food was actually hereditary - her whole family had the same gene mutation.
hereditary
ADJECTIVE[/həˈredɪteri/]
passed down from parent to child through genes or family tradition
The hereditary crown passes from the dying king to his young son.
The scientist studied hereditary traits shared by parents and their children. (hereditary ← inherit → If you inherit it from your parents, it's hereditary.)
The hereditary title became part of the family's identity and legacy.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'hereditarius', derived from 'hereditas' meaning inheritance or heritage, which comes from 'heres' meaning heir or inheritor.
Breakdown
hered- (heir/inherit) + -itary (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = hereditary
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His hereditary baldness started showing at age 25, just like his father and grandfather.”
“The hereditary peer refused to give up his castle, claiming it was his birthright.”
“Scientists discovered that her love for spicy food was actually hereditary - her whole family had the same gene mutation.”
“The hereditary chief passed down not only his title but also his wisdom to the next generation.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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