Heritage — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈher-ə-tij/ her·i·tage

Meaning & Definition of Heritage

Heritage (noun)

  1. property that descends to an heir
  2. something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor, legacy, inheritance; especially, the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation
  3. an established or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior

Heritage (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing

    "hospitality is a cherished Southern heritage"

    similar: convention, custom, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition
    related: ethic, form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, birthright, inheritance, legacy, folklore, lore, superstition, culture, lifestyle

  2. something that is or may be inherited

    "this farm is my heritage from my father, as it was for him from his father"

    similar: bequest, birthright, inheritance, legacy, patrimony
    related: heirloom, bestowal, gift, offering, present

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Heritage

The most common words with a similar meaning to Heritage:

convention, custom, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition, bequest, birthright, inheritance, legacy, patrimony

Related Words for Heritage

ethic, form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, folklore, lore, superstition, culture, lifestyle, heirloom, bestowal, gift, offering, present

Origin & Etymology of Heritage

Middle English heritage, eritage, borrowed from Anglo-French, from heriter "to inherit, make an heir" (going back to Late Latin hērēditāre "to leave as an inheritance, inherit, make an heir," from Latin hērēd-, hērēs heir:1 + -itāre, verb suffix) + -age -age

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Heritage

Frequently Asked Questions about Heritage

What does "Heritage" mean?

"Heritage" means property that descends to an heir. As a noun, it is defined as: property that descends to an heir. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Heritage"?

Other words for "Heritage" include convention, custom, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition, bequest and birthright. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Heritage" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Heritage"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Heritage". Common alternatives include convention, custom, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition, bequest, birthright, inheritance and legacy.

How do you use "Heritage" in a sentence?

Examples of "Heritage" in a sentence: "hospitality is a cherished Southern heritage"; "this farm is my heritage from my father, as it was for him from his father".

Is "Heritage" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Heritage" is a noun.

Is "Heritage" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Heritage" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Heritage"?

"Heritage" is pronounced /ˈher-ə-tij/ and divided into syllables as her·i·tage.

What is the origin of the word "Heritage"?

"Heritage" comes from Middle English heritage, eritage, borrowed from Anglo-French, from heriter "to inherit, make an heir" (going back to Late Latin hērēditāre "to leave as an inheritance, inherit, make an heir," from Latin hērēd-, hērēs heir:1 + -itāre, verb suffix) + -age -age. First known use: 13th century.