American Dictionary

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Definition inherit in American English

inherit verb

verb
/ɪnˈherɪt/
1

to receive property or money from someone who has died

Example

He inherited the business from his father.

1.1

to receive a right or an official social position that belonged to a relative who has died

2

to be born with the same appearance or character as one of your parents

Example

The boys inherited Derek's good looks.

2.1

to be born with a gene that causes a particular biological characteristic to be passed on

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3

to have responsibility for a situation that someone has started and left for you to deal with

Example

the road-building program we inherited from the previous administration

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3.1

to get something from someone who lived in your house or did your job before you

Example

I inherited Janine's desk and computer.

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3.2

to have a belief, tradition, or way of life that you received from people who lived before you

Example

Many countries have inherited traditions of public service.

Synonyms and related words
Definition inherit in American English