Definition of Hereditary
Quick Meaning of Hereditary
Traits or characteristics you get from your parents' genes, like eye color or certain talents. Your children might inherit them from you too.
Detailed Definition of Hereditary
Passing from parent to offspring through genetic inheritance; determined by genes passed down through generations.
How to Pronounce Hereditary
Stress pattern: oOooo (5-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: huh-RED-uh-tair-ee. Five syllables total. The 'ary' at the end sounds like 'air-ee'.
Watch out: Learners often stress the first syllable (HAIR-uh-tair-ee) or mispronounce the middle vowels. Correct: huh-RED-uh-tair-ee with stress on second syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Hereditary
From Latin 'hereditarius' (related to inheritance). 'Hereditas' (inheritance) + '-ary' (relating to). Entered English in 15th century with legal and biological meanings.
How to Use Hereditary in a Sentence
Each example shows “hereditary” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Hemophilia is a hereditary disease that runs in families.”
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“Some scholars argue that intelligence has a hereditary component.”
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“He inherited his hereditary title from his father.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hereditary
Common Synonyms for Hereditary
Smart Synonyms for Hereditary — When to Use Each
- genetic
- Scientific/technical term; emphasizes DNA and biological inheritance
- inherited
- More general; applies to any trait or possession
- innate
- Broader term for anything natural or inborn
Common Collocations with Hereditary
These phrases pair with “hereditary” in everyday English:
- hereditary disease
- hereditary factors
- hereditary title
- hereditary traits
- hereditary condition
Common Mistakes When Using Hereditary
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hereditary”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: My blue eyes are hereditary from my mother.
- ✓ Correct: My blue eyes are hereditary. / I inherited blue eyes from my mother.
- Why: 'Hereditary' is an adjective describing the trait itself, not the source. Don't use 'from' with hereditary.
- ✗ Wrong: He has a hereditary to this castle.
- ✓ Correct: He has a hereditary claim to this castle. / The castle title is hereditary.
- Why: 'Hereditary' must modify a noun. Say 'hereditary claim/title/right', not 'hereditary' alone.
- ✗ Wrong: She has a hereditary disease that she acquired last year.
- ✓ Correct: She has a hereditary predisposition to disease. / She developed a disease last year.
- Why: Hereditary means inherited at birth. If acquired recently, it's not hereditary. Don't use both terms together for the same condition.
Other Forms of Hereditary
- Noun: heredity
- Adjective: hereditary
Frequently Asked Questions About Hereditary
What is the meaning of "Hereditary"?
Traits or characteristics you get from your parents' genes, like eye color or certain talents. Your children might inherit them from you too.
How do you pronounce "Hereditary"?
The IPA is /həˈredəteri/. Stress the second syllable: huh-RED-uh-tair-ee. Five syllables total. The 'ary' at the end sounds like 'air-ee'.
What part of speech is "Hereditary"?
"Hereditary" is an adjective at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hereditary"?
Common synonyms include genetic, inherited, inborn.
How do you use "Hereditary" in a sentence?
For example: "Hemophilia is a hereditary disease that runs in families."