Vocabulary Spotlight
Bequeath
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To leave or give (property or a legacy) to another person, typically in a will; to pass down something as an inheritance.
“He chose to bequeath his rare book collection to the local library.”
Pronunciation
[bih-kweeth]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Bestow
Grant
Endow
Entrust
Antonyms
Withhold
Keep
Hold
Refuse
Related Words
Legacy
Endowment
Word Origin
“Bequeath” comes from Old English “becwethan,” meaning “to declare or assign by will.” It originally meant to give or dispose of property upon one’s death.
Word Family
Verb: Bequeath – To leave as an inheritance.
Noun: Bequest – An inheritance or gift passed down.
Noun: Beneficiary – The person who receives a bequest.
Mnemonics
Think “be-queath” as “be + give.” To bequeath something is to give it to someone else, often as an inheritance.
Industry-specific Usage
Law
In law, “bequeath” is used to specify the transfer of property in a will.
Philanthropy
In philanthropy, individuals may bequeath funds to charities as part of their estate planning.
Family Wealth
In family wealth management, assets are bequeathed to heirs as part of generational wealth transfer.
In Context
“Bequeath” is commonly used in legal and financial contexts to describe the act of passing down assets or belongings through a will. It is an intentional transfer of legacy.