Definition of the word inherit

The word "inherit" has roots in Old English, dating back to around the 10th century. It comes from the Old English word "aenraegan," which translates to "to receive what is brought near." Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to take on a legal and financial connotation. In the 14th century, the word "inherit" came to refer to the right to receive property or wealth after the death of a family member, especially if that person died without leaving a will. The Latin word "hereditas" also played a role in the development of "inherit." In early Roman law, "hereditas" referred to a person's assets or heritage, which could be passed on to their heirs. The Latin word had a similar meaning to its Old English counterpart, as it conveyed the idea of something being "brought near" or "close at hand." By the 15th century, the word "inherit" had settled into its modern meaning of receiving something through an act of transmission, usually as the result of a person's death or demise. Its origins in Old English and Latin reflect the deep-rooted connection between lineage, family, and the continuity of a person's wealth, possessions, and values down through the generations.