Vocabulary in context
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Bequeath
To leave personal property to someone in a will; to pass on property or wealth through a testament.
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Imagine This
Picture an elderly aunt in a sunlit study, signing a will. She smiles as she bequeaths her treasured violin to her nephew, and the parchment flutteringly records this gift for generations to come.
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Sounds Like
bi-KWEETH
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Looks Like
Be-queath (sounds like) be-quest
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Remember This
Bequeath is commonly used for personal property; for real estate, the term 'devise' is often used in legal contexts. Bequest is the noun form of what is left by will.
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Other Forms
bequeathalnoun
bequestnoun
bequeathesverb
bequeathedverb
bequeathingverb
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Connect With
inherit, legacy, will, testament, estate, devise, heir
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Note
Bequeath refers to passing property by will; in some legal contexts, 'devise' is used for real estate. Bequeath is more commonly used for personal property. The noun form is 'bequest' or 'bequeathal'.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- In his will, he bequeathed his antique pocket watch to his grandson.
- The philanthropist chose to bequeath most of her wealth to the university.
Synonyms
leavebequestbestowhand downpass on
Antonyms
inheritreceivedisinherit
Etymology
From Middle English bequeathen, from Old English cwæþan 'to say, utter' with the be- prefix; the sense shifted over time to mean 'to hand down by will.'
Mnemonic
Bequeath = pass wealth by will. Remember with BE-QUEATH: think of wealth being handed down to heirs in a formal bequest.
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Vindication
nounThe act of clearing someone of blame, guilt, or doubt; evidence or argument that proves a claim, action, or reputation to be right or justified.
Ominous
adjectiveAn adjective describing something that indicates danger or disaster is about to happen.
Effervescence
nounA lively or enthusiastic quality; the state of being full of life, excitement, or high-spirited energy.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Legacy
nounSomething handed down from an ancestor or from the past, such as money or property left in a will, or an enduring cultural, personal, or societal influence.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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