Synonyms for

Hereditary

Verb / hɜ:ˈedʌˌteri: / Another word for hereditary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

passed down from one generation to the next

Synonyms & similar words

genetic transmissible familial inherited transmitted patrimonial ancestral inherited genetic transmitted familial ancestral patrimonial lineal clan kin tribal paternal maternal congenital inborn innate natural intrinsic constitutional inherent immanent

Synonyms by register

Formal

inherited genetic congenital familial

Informal

passed down in the blood runs in the family

Literary

ancestral birthright

Antonyms

acquired uninherited nonhereditary environmental learned spontaneous accidental

Common collocations

  • hereditary disease
  • hereditary trait
  • hereditary monarchy
  • hereditary title
  • hereditary cancer
  • hereditary information
  • hereditary genius

Word family

noun heredity
adverb hereditarily

Usage note

Often used in biological or social contexts to describe traits or conditions passed from parents to offspring. Can sometimes carry a connotation of inevitability.

Example sentences

  1. My blonde hair is hereditary from my mothers side of the family.
  2. He has hereditary high blood pressure.
  3. The disease is hereditary and can be passed down from parent to child.
  4. My love for music is hereditary as my grandfather was a musician.
  5. The familys wealth is hereditary and has been passed down for generations.

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