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heir

noun

/eə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of heir

A person who is entitled to inherit the property, assets, or title of a deceased individual.
"The young prince was the sole heir to the throne."

Detailed meaning of heir

An heir is Heirs are typically determined by the laws of inheritance, which vary by jurisdiction, but generally include spouses, children, and other close relatives of the deceased. In some cases, individuals may be designated as heirs through a will or other legal document. Inheritance can take many forms, including real estate, financial assets, personal possessions, and even intellectual property. Heirs may be required to go through a legal process known as probate in order to receive their inheritance, which can involve complex legal and financial considerations. While inheritance can provide a significant financial benefit to heirs, it can also be a source of conflict and tension among family members, particularly in cases where there are disputes over the distribution of assets.

Example sentences containing heir

1. The eldest son is the rightful heir to the family fortune.
2. The king named his nephew as his heir to the throne.
3. She is the sole heir to her wealthy uncle's estate.
4. The lawyer read the will to determine the heir's entitlement.
5. The heir to the company's leadership faced high expectations.
6. The heir's responsibilities included managing the family estate.

History and etymology of heir

The noun 'heir' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'ǣr,' which meant 'that which is inherited' or 'inheritance.' Over time, this term evolved into 'ērfe,' still referring to the concept of inheritance. It is in the Old English 'ērfe' that we can see the beginning of the word 'heir,' as it started to take on the meaning of a person who is entitled to inherit the property, assets, or title of a deceased individual. The transition from the abstract notion of inheritance to a person inheriting reflects the historical importance of lineage and hereditary succession in many societies. The word 'heir' retains its connection to the idea of receiving something of value from a predecessor, and its etymology can be traced back to the Old English roots that convey the concept of inheritance itself.

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Further usage examples of heir

1. The monarch's heir was groomed for a life of leadership.
2. The heiress donated a portion of her fortune to charity.
3. The heiress was known for her philanthropic endeavors.
4. The estate was passed down to the next heir in line.
5. The royal family announced the birth of the new heir.
6. The heiress was a prominent figure in the art world.
7. The heiress inherited her grandmother's priceless jewelry.
8. The heiress took over her father's successful business.
9. The heiress faced challenges in maintaining the family legacy.
10. The heir's portrait hung prominently in the family mansion.
11. The heiress was a patron of the arts and culture.
12. The heir was expected to uphold the family's traditions.
13. The heiress invested in educational initiatives for underprivileged children.
14. The estate was divided among multiple heirs after a legal dispute.
15. The deceased businessman's heirs were embroiled in a bitter legal battle over his estate.
16. She was surprised to learn that she had been named as an heir in her late uncle's will.
17. The royal family's complex system of inheritance determined who would be the next heir to the throne.
18. The wealthy heiress donated a significant portion of her inheritance to charity.
19. He was determined to prove that he was the rightful heir to his father's fortune.
20. The young couple was excited to learn that they would soon be parents and heirs to their family's legacy.
21. The author's literary works have made him an enduring cultural heir.
22. The king's death sparked a succession crisis as multiple heirs claimed the throne.
23. The heiress's lavish lifestyle was the subject of much media scrutiny.
24. The elderly woman had no children and struggled to decide who to name as her heir.
25. The company's board of directors debated the appointment of a new heir to the CEO position.