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Hereditary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Hereditary refers to traits, conditions, or characteristics passed from parents to offspring through genes. It is commonly used in biology and medicine to describe inherited diseases or features.

hereditary

/həˈrɛdəˌtɛri/ /hɪˈrɛdɪtəri/

Definition:

Passed down genetically from one generation to another.

Synonyms:

inherited, genetic, ancestral, familial, inborn

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

acquired, nonhereditary

Common Collocations:

hereditary disease, hereditary traits, hereditary monarchy, hereditary condition

Derivatives:

hereditarily, hereditariness

Usage Tips:

Use "hereditary" for traits or conditions biologically inherited from parents or ancestors.

Common Phrases:

hereditary right, hereditary title, hereditary succession

Etymology:

From Latin "hereditarius," meaning "of an heir," derived from "heres" (heir).

Examples:

  • 1. The disease is hereditary and runs in her family.
  • 2. His blue eyes are a hereditary trait from his mother’s side.
  • 3. The throne was passed down through hereditary succession.
  • 4. Some cancers have a hereditary component linked to genetics.

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