hereditary
hereditary Lexical Profile
hereditary Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Transmitted genetically from parents to offspring; determined by genetic factors and able to be passed from one generation to the next.
"Regular medical screenings are highly recommended for individuals with a family history of hereditary heart conditions."
Conferred by or based on legal inheritance; holding a title, office, or property by right of birth or lineage.
"For centuries, the nation was governed by a hereditary monarchy in which the crown passed directly to the eldest child."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'hereditary' with 'congenital': a hereditary condition is passed down genetically from parents to offspring, whereas a congenital condition is present at birth and may result from non-genetic environmental factors during pregnancy.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin 'hereditarius' ('relating to an inheritance'), derived from 'hereditas' ('heirship, inheritance') and 'heres' ('heir').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.