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Hereditary: Definition, Examples, and Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：genetically inherited (hereditary)
hereditary
/həˈrɛdɪtɛri/
adj.
Describing a characteristic or disease passed from parent to child through genes, like eye color or some health conditions.
genetically inherited
➕
/dʒəˈnetɪkli ɪnˈhɛrɪtɪd/
adj.
Relating to characteristics or diseases that are passed from parent to child through genetic material.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'hereditarius' (inherited), from 'heres' (heir) + '-ary' (relating to).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'Her red diary' — a family heirloom passed down, making it hereditary.
📖 Example
Some eye colors, like brown or blue, are hereditary traits passed down from your parents.
Some eye colors, like brown or blue, are hereditary traits passed down from your parents.
🔗 Collocations
hereditary disease – A disease that is passed from parent to child through genes
hereditary trait – A characteristic inherited genetically
hereditary factor – A genetic component that can be passed on
🔄 Synonyms
genetic (adj.) – Relating to genes or heredity
inheritable (adj.) – Capable of being inherited
congenital (adj.) – Present from birth, often but not always inherited
🚫 Antonyms
acquired (adj.) – Developed after birth, not inherited
🌱 Derivatives
heredity (n.) – The passing on of genetic traits from parents to offspring
inherit (v.) – To receive genetic traits from a parent
inheritance (n.) – The genetic traits received from parents
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'hereditary' traces back to Latin 'hereditas' (inheritance). In medieval Europe, hereditary titles defined social hierarchy; today it is widely used in genetics.
Meaning 2：inherited by succession (hereditary)
hereditary
/həˈrɛdɪtɛri/
adj.
Describing a position, title, or status passed down within a family from one generation to the next, like a royal title.
inherited by succession
➕
/ɪnˈhɛrɪtɪd baɪ səkˈsɛʃən/
adj.
Relating to a position, title, or status that is passed from one generation to the next within a family, especially in royalty or nobility.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In some historical monarchies, the position of king was hereditary, meaning it automatically went to the eldest son.
In some historical monarchies, the position of king was hereditary, meaning it automatically went to the eldest son.
🔗 Collocations
hereditary monarchy – A monarchy in which the ruler is inherited
hereditary title – A noble title passed down within a family
hereditary peer – A member of the nobility who holds an inherited title
🔄 Synonyms
patrimonial (adj.) – Relating to inheritance from one's father or ancestors
lineal (adj.) – In a direct line of descent
inheritable (adj.) – Capable of being passed on by inheritance
🚫 Antonyms
elective (adj.) – Chosen by vote or selection, not inherited
🌱 Derivatives
heir (n.) – A person who inherits a title or property
heritage (n.) – Traditions and assets inherited from the past
inheritance (n.) – The act of inheriting a title or position
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