Reading Theme:
Heritage: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：cultural legacy (heritage)
heritage
/ˈherɪtɪdʒ/
n.
The cultural traditions, achievements, beliefs, and physical objects that are passed down from previous generations.
cultural legacy
➕
/ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈlɛɡəsi/
n.
Refers to the cultural and historical assets, such as traditions and objects, passed down through generations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'heres' (heir), via Old French, meaning inheritance.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'heir' + 'age' – what an heir receives over time.
📖 Example
The government is working to preserve the ancient city wall as an important part of our national heritage.
This sentence illustrates efforts to protect historical structures as national cultural assets.
🔗 Collocations
cultural heritage – the traditions and objects of a culture passed down through generations
world heritage – sites or traditions recognized as having outstanding universal value
heritage site – a place designated as important cultural or historical heritage
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
innovation (n.) – the introduction of new things or methods
novelty (n.) – something new or original
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'heres' meaning heir, 'heritage' entered English in the Middle Ages. It gained prominence in the 20th century with cultural preservation movements, such as UNESCO's World Heritage program, emphasizing global legacy.
Meaning 2：family inheritance (heritage)
heritage
/ˈherɪtɪdʒ/
n.
Anything that is received or passed down from someone who came before you, like a family business, a personal quality, or even a piece of land.
family inheritance
➕
/ˈfæməli ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/
n.
Refers to anything received from predecessors, such as property, qualities, or responsibilities, within a family context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Running the family bakery is more than a job for her; it's a heritage she feels proud to continue.
This example shows how a family business is viewed as a cherished inheritance to be maintained.
🔗 Collocations
family heritage – property or traditions passed down within a family
heritage property – real estate inherited from ancestors
heritage breed – a traditional variety of livestock or plants preserved for genetic diversity
🔄 Synonyms
inheritance (n.) – property or title received from an ancestor
bequest (n.) – something left to someone in a will
endowment (n.) – a natural quality or gift passed down
🚫 Antonyms
acquisition (n.) – something obtained or purchased, not inherited
disposal (n.) – the act of getting rid of something, not passing it down
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