bequeathed

USAGE SUMMARY

'bequeathed' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when someone leaves something to someone else in a will or trust. Example sentence: "My grandmother bequeathed all of her jewelry to me in her last will and testament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the truth of the matter is that most of the institutions we have with us, whether the civil service, the judiciary, were actually bequeathed by the British to South Africa".

The Guardian

But then, the systemic hotchpotch bequeathed by the last Labour government, and then turbocharged by Michael Gove, did rather leave the impression that anything goes for those who run their own schools.

The Guardian

A Vermont man who sometimes held his coat together with safety pins and had a long-time habit of foraging for firewood also had a hidden talent for picking stocks – a talent that became public after his death, when he bequeathed $6m to his local library and hospital.

The Guardian

This means going beyond the limited supply-side agenda of 1980s market liberalism which has bequeathed precarious foundations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gallery was founded in 1889 by a group of socially minded philanthropists, including the Manchester Guardian's former owner John Edward Taylor, who bequeathed 266 watercolours and drawings from the likes of Turner, Blake and Cozens.

The Guardian

AUGUSTO PINOCHET left the scene as Chile's dictator 25 years ago, but the electoral system he bequeathed has governed politics ever since.

The Economist

Other objects were plundered as booty by British soldiers, who sold them or passed them on to their families, who, in turn, often bequeathed or donated them to museums.

The Economist

Compared with the 1990s, says Svetlana Garipova of the municipal government, it is "absolutely another country".For many Russians, life is indisputably better than in 1999, when, after a decade of coups, wars and economic catastrophe, Boris Yeltsin bequeathed the presidency to Mr Putin.

The Economist

He left it four-fifths of his considerable personal collection, and also bequeathed assets to be sold for the institution's benefit.

The Economist

For most Peruvians, Mr Garcia is an unwelcome reminder of a past nightmare: an irresponsible populist, he bequeathed hyperinflation and a shrivelled economy, as well as unchecked guerrilla insurgencies.

The Economist

Expressing the composite of fear, resentment, suspicion and fury bequeathed by the fiasco of Britain's military involvement in Iraq, Parliament voted on August 29th against possible missile strikes against Syria.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bequeathed", ensure the subject is someone who has the legal authority to transfer something to the beneficiary. The object needs to be a concrete property, a legacy, an idea or a system.

Common error

Avoid using "bequeathed" to describe informal or everyday transfers. "Bequeathed" implies a formal transfer, typically through a will, and should not be used for simple gifts or casual hand-me-downs.

Linguistic Context

Bequeathed primarily functions as a verb in the past tense or past participle form. It indicates the action of formally leaving something to someone in a will or similar legal document. Ludwig confirms this usage by showing it correctly applied in sentences from reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Bequeathed is a verb, typically used in the past tense, to describe the formal act of leaving something to someone in a will. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable word in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, formal writing and business contexts. When writing with "bequeathed", remember that it implies a formal transfer, usually through a will, and should not be used for everyday situations. Consider alternatives like ""left in a will"" or "passed down" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left in a will

This alternative is more explicit about the method of transfer, specifying a will.

transferred by inheritance

This alternative is a more formal and legalistic way of saying "bequeathed".

devised

Focuses specifically on transferring real property via a will.

inherited

Focuses on the recipient's perspective of receiving something.

passed down

This is a more general term for transferring something to a descendant.

handed down

Similar to "passed down", but can also refer to traditions or knowledge.

left as a legacy

Highlights the lasting impact or significance of what is being passed on.

bestowed upon

This alternative implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving.

transmitted

This alternative suggests the transfer of something intangible, like a disease or an idea.

ceded

Implies a formal or legal transfer of ownership or rights.

FAQs

How is "bequeathed" typically used in a sentence?

The word "bequeathed" is typically used to describe the act of leaving property or qualities to someone in a will. For instance, "My grandmother "left in a will" her entire estate to charity".

What are some alternatives to using "bequeathed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "passed down", "handed down", or "inherited". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "bequeathed" and "inherited"?

"Bequeathed" describes the action of the person leaving something in a will, while "inherited" describes the action of the person receiving it. One "leaves in a will", and the other "inherits".

Can "bequeathed" refer to intangible things, or just physical property?

While often used for physical property, "bequeathed" can also refer to intangible things like values, traditions, or knowledge. It suggests a deliberate and formal transfer of something significant.