§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The word 'inheritance' has two main meanings, both related to receiving something from a previous source. Understanding these different contexts will help you use the word correctly in your conversations.
- DEFINITION
- Inheritance is the money, property, or objects you receive from someone when they die.
This is the most common meaning of inheritance, especially in legal and financial discussions. When someone passes away, they often leave their possessions, money, or property to their family or other chosen individuals. This act of leaving things behind is called 'bequeathing,' and the things received are the 'inheritance.'
After her grandfather died, she received a large inheritance that helped her buy a new house.
The old antique watch was a family inheritance that had been passed down for generations.
- DEFINITION
- It can also refer to physical characteristics like eye color that you get from your parents through your genes.
This second meaning of inheritance is used in biology and genetics. It describes the traits or characteristics that are passed down from parents to their children through their genes. These can be physical traits, like the color of your eyes or hair, or even predispositions to certain health conditions.
Her blue eyes are an inheritance from her mother.
The family has a genetic inheritance that makes them all very tall.
When to use it:
- When discussing what someone receives after a person's death (money, property, objects).
- When talking about genetic traits passed from parents to children.
In summary, 'inheritance' helps us describe something received from a previous source, whether it's a valuable asset from a deceased loved one or a physical characteristic from our parents. The context of the conversation will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
按水平分级的例句
She received a large inheritance from her grandmother, which helped her buy a new house.
Received money from a deceased relative.
Common usage: 'receive an inheritance'.
The inheritance included a collection of antique books that had been in the family for generations.
Items passed down after someone's death.
Can refer to objects as well as money/property.
His curly hair is an inheritance from his mother; both of them have the same type of hair.
Physical trait passed genetically.
Used with 'from' to indicate the source of the trait.
They had to pay taxes on the inheritance, which reduced the total amount they received.
Taxes on received assets.
Commonly followed by 'on' when referring to financial aspects.
The old house was part of his inheritance, so he decided to restore it instead of selling it.
Property received after a death.
Can be singular or plural.
Many diseases are an inheritance from our parents, passed down through our genes.
Genetic predisposition to illness.
Used to describe genetic transmission of traits, good or bad.
He spent his entire inheritance quickly, and soon he had no money left.
Used up all received money.
Often followed by verbs like 'spend' or 'waste'.
The blue eyes that run in her family are a clear inheritance from her father's side.
Eye color from a parent.
Can be used with 'from' to specify the source of the genetic trait.
近义词
反义词
常见搭配
常用短语
receive an inheritance
leave an inheritance
come into an inheritance
fight over an inheritance
squander an inheritance
be heir to an inheritance
pass on an inheritance
inherit an inheritance
the inheritance of traits
an inheritance of tradition
在生活中练习
真实语境
When a loved one passes away, their family often receives an inheritance, which can include money, property, or cherished possessions.
- receive an inheritance
- money, property, or possessions
- loved one passes away
Some people are fortunate enough to inherit a family business, allowing them to continue a legacy.
- inherit a family business
- continue a legacy
- fortunate enough to
He had no idea he would come into such a large inheritance after his distant relative passed.
- come into a large inheritance
- distant relative
- had no idea
My blue eyes are an inheritance from my mother, a trait that runs in our family.
- an inheritance from my mother
- a trait that runs in our family
- blue eyes
The old house was part of her inheritance, and she planned to restore it to its former glory.
- part of her inheritance
- restore it to its former glory
- the old house
对话开场白
"Have you ever thought about what kind of inheritance you might leave behind for your loved ones?"
"Beyond money or property, what non-material things do you think people inherit from their families, like traditions or skills?"
"If you were to receive an unexpected inheritance, what would be the first thing you would do with it?"
"Do you think it's important for families to discuss inheritance plans openly, or is it a topic best avoided?"
"What's a physical trait you've inherited that you really appreciate or find interesting?"
日记主题
Reflect on any physical or personality traits you believe you've inherited from your family members. How have these traits influenced who you are today?
Imagine you've received an inheritance that allows you to pursue a long-held dream. Describe what that dream is and how you would use the inheritance to achieve it.
Consider the concept of 'cultural inheritance.' What traditions, stories, or values have been passed down in your family or community, and how do they impact your life?
Write about a time when you learned about a family inheritance (financial or otherwise), whether it was a positive or challenging experience.
If you could choose one thing to pass on as an 'inheritance' to future generations, what would it be (it doesn't have to be material), and why is it important to you?
自我测试 36 个问题
My grandmother left me a small ___ when she passed away.
Inheritance refers to what someone leaves you after they die.
My father's blue eyes are an ___ from my grandfather.
Inheritance can also refer to physical traits passed down in a family.
She received a large ___ of money.
Inheritance can be money received from someone who died.
The old house was part of his family ___.
Property, like a house, can be an inheritance.
My brown hair is an ___ from my mother.
Physical characteristics like hair color can be inherited.
He got some old books as an ___.
Objects received from someone who died are also considered inheritance.
The speaker is talking about receiving something from a grandparent who passed away.
The speaker is talking about a physical trait passed down in a family.
The speaker is referring to property received after someone's death.
Read this aloud:
I have brown hair. It's an inheritance from my dad.
Focus: in-HER-uh-tuns
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
My uncle received a large inheritance.
Focus: large in-HER-uh-tuns
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
She has her father's curly hair, a family inheritance.
Focus: FAM-uh-lee in-HER-uh-tuns
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Your grandmother gave you a special toy. Write one sentence about it. Use the word 'inheritance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My toy car is an inheritance from my grandmother.
Your eyes are blue. Your mother's eyes are blue too. Write one sentence about this. Use the word 'inheritance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My blue eyes are an inheritance from my mother.
Imagine someone left you a small house. Write one sentence about this house. Use the word 'inheritance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The small house is my inheritance.
What did the grandfather leave as an inheritance?
Read this passage:
My grandfather had a very old watch. When he died, the watch became my dad's. Now, this watch is a special family inheritance. It is very beautiful.
What did the grandfather leave as an inheritance?
The passage says, 'My grandfather had a very old watch. When he died, the watch became my dad's.'
The passage says, 'My grandfather had a very old watch. When he died, the watch became my dad's.'
What did the sister get as an inheritance?
Read this passage:
My sister has curly hair. My mother also has curly hair. My sister's curly hair is an inheritance from our mother. It is a family trait.
What did the sister get as an inheritance?
The passage states, 'My sister's curly hair is an inheritance from our mother.'
The passage states, 'My sister's curly hair is an inheritance from our mother.'
What did the niece receive as an inheritance?
Read this passage:
When Uncle Tom died, he left some money to his niece. This money was her inheritance. She used it to buy a new book.
What did the niece receive as an inheritance?
The passage says, 'he left some money to his niece. This money was her inheritance.'
The passage says, 'he left some money to his niece. This money was her inheritance.'
Imagine you received an unexpected inheritance. What would it be, and how would you use it to improve your life or the lives of others?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
If I received an inheritance, I would hope it would be a substantial amount of money. I would first use some of it to pay off any debts and then invest a portion for my future. I would also want to use some of the money to help my family and donate to a charity that supports education.
Describe a fictional character who has inherited a unique physical characteristic. How does this characteristic affect their life or personality?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My character, Elara, inherited incredibly vibrant purple eyes from her grandmother. This striking feature often made her stand out, making her a bit shy at first. However, as she grew older, she embraced her unique appearance, which gave her a sense of individuality and confidence, often inspiring others to celebrate their own differences.
Write a short paragraph about the concept of 'cultural inheritance.' What are some examples of things that are passed down through generations in a culture, and why are they important?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Cultural inheritance refers to the traditions, values, customs, and knowledge that are passed down from one generation to the next within a society. For example, storytelling, traditional music, and specific culinary practices are all forms of cultural inheritance. These elements are incredibly important as they help to shape a community's identity, preserve its history, and connect individuals to their past.
What made the antique clock a valuable inheritance for Sophia?
Read this passage:
Sophia was surprised to learn that her distant aunt had left her a small antique clock in her will. Sophia had never met her aunt, but the lawyer explained that the clock had been in the family for generations. It wasn't worth a lot of money, but it carried a rich history, making it a valuable inheritance in a different way.
What made the antique clock a valuable inheritance for Sophia?
The passage states that the clock 'carried a rich history, making it a valuable inheritance in a different way,' even though it wasn't worth a lot of money.
The passage states that the clock 'carried a rich history, making it a valuable inheritance in a different way,' even though it wasn't worth a lot of money.
According to the passage, what can be inherited biologically?
Read this passage:
In biology, 'inheritance' often refers to the passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring. For instance, the color of your eyes, the texture of your hair, and even certain predispositions to health conditions can be inherited. This process is fundamental to understanding how species evolve over time.
According to the passage, what can be inherited biologically?
The passage specifically mentions 'the color of your eyes, the texture of your hair, and even certain predispositions to health conditions' as examples of inherited genetic traits.
The passage specifically mentions 'the color of your eyes, the texture of your hair, and even certain predispositions to health conditions' as examples of inherited genetic traits.
What did Mark plan to do with his inheritance?
Read this passage:
Mark inherited his grandfather's old farmhouse, complete with sprawling fields and a barn. While the house needed significant repairs, Mark saw its potential. He planned to restore it and turn the fields into an organic farm, thus continuing a family tradition of working the land, even though his grandfather had been a different kind of farmer.
What did Mark plan to do with his inheritance?
The passage states, 'He planned to restore it and turn the fields into an organic farm.'
The passage states, 'He planned to restore it and turn the fields into an organic farm.'
Which of the following best describes a common type of inheritance in the context of personal finance?
Inheritance specifically refers to assets received after someone's death, distinguishing it from other forms of income or gifts.
In a biological context, what does 'inheritance' primarily refer to?
Biologically, inheritance is about genetic characteristics passed down through generations.
If someone inherits a rare painting, what does that imply about how they acquired it?
The term 'inherits' directly indicates that the item was received as part of an inheritance after a person's death.
It is possible to inherit both physical possessions and genetic traits.
The definition of inheritance encompasses both tangible assets and biological characteristics passed down.
A person's salary from their job is considered an inheritance.
Salary is earned income, not property or money received from a deceased person.
Eye color is an example of a characteristic that can be inherited.
Eye color is a physical trait determined by genes passed from parents to children, fitting the biological definition of inheritance.
Imagine you've inherited a small sum of money. Describe how you would use it and explain your reasoning. Consider both practical and personal uses.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
If I inherited a small sum of money, my first priority would be to invest a significant portion of it. I'd look into low-risk options that could grow over time, securing a financial cushion for the future. The remaining amount I would use for a meaningful personal experience, perhaps a trip that has long been a dream, ensuring the inheritance creates lasting memories and not just material possessions. It's important to me to use the money responsibly and honor the legacy.
Discuss the ethical implications of inheriting a large fortune versus earning wealth through personal effort. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Inheriting a large fortune often brings with it discussions of privilege and fairness. While it offers immediate financial security and opportunities, some argue it can stifle personal drive and a true understanding of the value of money. Conversely, earning wealth through personal effort instills a strong work ethic and a sense of accomplishment, but can be a much slower and more arduous path. The ethical implications revolve around whether inherited wealth perpetuates inequality or if it can be a tool for positive societal impact, depending on how it's managed.
Write a short paragraph about a fictional character who struggles with the burden of a family inheritance, detailing both the positive and negative aspects it brings to their life.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eleanor always felt the weight of her family's ancestral home, an inheritance that came with crumbling walls and a formidable legacy. On one hand, it provided her with a sense of rootedness and a connection to her lineage, offering a beautiful, albeit decaying, sanctuary. However, it also brought immense financial strain and the crushing expectation to restore it to its former glory, overshadowing her own aspirations and threatening to consume her identity. The inheritance was a gilded cage, offering both comfort and confinement.
According to the passage, what is an example of an intangible inheritance?
Read this passage:
The concept of inheritance extends beyond material wealth. Many cultural traditions and practices are passed down through generations, forming a collective inheritance that shapes a community's identity. This intangible inheritance often includes storytelling, music, art forms, and religious customs, all contributing to a rich tapestry of shared heritage.
According to the passage, what is an example of an intangible inheritance?
The passage states that intangible inheritance 'often includes storytelling, music, art forms, and religious customs.'
The passage states that intangible inheritance 'often includes storytelling, music, art forms, and religious customs.'
What is the primary factor establishing an individual's fundamental biological blueprint, according to the text?
Read this passage:
Genetic inheritance plays a crucial role in determining an individual's physical characteristics, from eye and hair color to predispositions for certain health conditions. While environmental factors also influence these traits, the fundamental blueprint is established by the genes inherited from one's parents. Understanding this biological inheritance is vital for medical research and personalized healthcare.
What is the primary factor establishing an individual's fundamental biological blueprint, according to the text?
The passage explicitly states, 'the fundamental blueprint is established by the genes inherited from one's parents.'
The passage explicitly states, 'the fundamental blueprint is established by the genes inherited from one's parents.'
What is often required to navigate the legal complexities of inheritance?
Read this passage:
In many legal systems, the laws governing inheritance are complex and vary significantly across jurisdictions. These laws dictate how assets are distributed after a person's death, often taking into account wills, family relationships, and the presence of any outstanding debts. Navigating these legal intricacies can be challenging, often requiring the expertise of legal professionals to ensure a smooth and equitable transfer of inheritance.
What is often required to navigate the legal complexities of inheritance?
The passage mentions that 'Navigating these legal intricacies can be challenging, often requiring the expertise of legal professionals.'
The passage mentions that 'Navigating these legal intricacies can be challenging, often requiring the expertise of legal professionals.'
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
例句
He bought a house with the inheritance from his grandfather.
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