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Inherited vs Hereditary - What's the difference?

inherited | hereditary |

As adjectives the difference between inherited and hereditary

is that inherited is obtained via an inheritance while hereditary is which is passed on as inheritance, by last will or intestate.

As a verb inherited

is past tense of inherit.

As a noun hereditary is

a hereditary ruler; a hereditary peer in the House of Lords.

inherited

English

Verb

(head)
  • (inherit)

    • Adjective

    (-)
  • Obtained via an inheritance
  • Diseases and disorders which are hereditary.

    • hereditary

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • which is passed on as inheritance, by last will or intestate
  • (of a title, honor or right) legally granted to somebody's descendant after that person's death.
    • Duke is a hereditary title which was created in Norman times.
  • (of a person) holding a legally hereditary title or rank
    • hereditary rulers
  • (of a disease or trait) passed from a parent to offspring in the genes
    • ''Haemophilia is hereditary in his family.

    Derived terms

    * hereditariness * hereditarily * hereditary disease * hereditary peer

    Related terms

    * heredity * heritage * inherit, inheritance * heir, heiress

    Noun

    (hereditaries)
  • A hereditary ruler; a hereditary peer in the House of Lords.

    • See also

    * congenital