Inheritance refers to the assets, property, or characteristics that are passed down from one generation to another, typically from parents to children after the parents' death. This can include money, real estate, personal belongings, or even genetic traits and cultural traditions. In a broader sense, inheritance can also pertain to anything that is handed down in a figurative sense, such as ideas, responsibilities, or values.
The word "inheritance" originates from the Latin word "inheritare," which means to take on or receive as an heir. The prefix "in-" means "in" or "upon," and "heri" means "heir." The term has evolved through Old French before being adopted into English.