patrimony

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "patrimony" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a hereditary or traditional right, property, or quality associated with a family or group. You can use it when discussing a family heirloom. For example, "My grandmother's locket is a cherished part of our family patrimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am intolerant of the Italian disdain for the urban environment, and the inability to value, care for and maintain its enormous cultural patrimony.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 2009 Constitution, for example, states that "protected areas" form "part of the natural and cultural patrimony of the country", but also perform "economic functions for sustainable development".

The Guardian

In places they regard as part of their patrimony, ordinary Protestants now encounter Catholics in Gaelic football shirts.

The Economist

He is working hard to expand his family patrimony, particularly in China, where wine-drinking is booming, but also in America.

The Economist

Radical movements denounced Bolivia's leaders for handing its natural patrimony to predatory foreigners.

The Economist

Peru is only the third country to have its own list, after Afghanistan and Iraq.Blanca Alva, the INC official in charge of defending the national patrimony, says that even worse than the loss of an individual piece is the destruction of an entire site to get just one gold object.

The Economist

The Cadburys retreated from direct management of their chocolate empire and progressively diluted their family control, so when Kraft, a giant American food company, made a hostile bid for the company in 2010, all they could do was protest.Some families seize their patrimony back from professional managers.

The Economist

Hawks still worry that Germany is scheming, perhaps to bring Russia into a joint security body with the European Union, but most people are just glad to see any progress.Germany is also working on a deal between Macedonia and Greece (which claims both names as Hellenic patrimony).

The Economist

A new state agency, Patrimonio dello Stato, was set up to value Italy's cultural patrimony and to decide what could be sold, leased or even securitised.To calm his critics, Mr Berlusconi has promised not to touch treasures that are part of Italy's national identity, such as the Colosseum, the leaning tower of Pisa or indeed the Uffizi.

The Economist

"The Italian state simply doesn't have sufficient resources to manage its cultural patrimony," says Giuliano Urbani, the minister for culture.All European governments will eventually have to follow suit, by entering into some form of partnership with the private sector to run their museums.

The Economist

He dismisses the music spawned by the track as "plagiarism" and "bullshit", considering it another chapter in the plundering of African-American cultural patrimony.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patrimony" when referring to something inherited or passed down through generations, whether it's tangible property, cultural values, or traditions.

Common error

Avoid using "patrimony" when you mean "patronage". Patrimony refers to inheritance, while patronage refers to support or endorsement.

Linguistic Context

The noun "patrimony" primarily functions to denote something inherited from one's ancestors or a cultural or historical legacy. Ludwig AI confirms this is used to discuss inherited rights or properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patrimony" refers to something inherited, whether tangible property, cultural values, or traditional practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "inheritance", "heritage", and "legacy" exist, "patrimony" often implies a deeper connection to ancestral and cultural roots. Remember to differentiate it from "patronage" to avoid common usage errors. The extensive examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its versatility and relevance in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherited estate

Focuses specifically on the inherited aspect, highlighting the transfer of property or assets.

ancestral heritage

Emphasizes the historical and familial connection to the inherited legacy.

family inheritance

Highlights the familial origin of the inherited possessions.

birthright

Stresses the inherent right to something by virtue of birth or lineage.

legacy

Focuses on what is left behind or passed on to future generations.

bequest

Implies something given or left by will.

hereditary possessions

Directly indicates ownership transferred through inheritance.

cultural inheritance

Emphasizes the traditions, values, and knowledge passed down through generations.

traditional inheritance

Highlights the conventional practices and beliefs passed down.

family heirloom

Specifically denotes a valuable object passed down within a family.

FAQs

How to use "patrimony" in a sentence?

You can use "patrimony" to refer to inherited property or cultural heritage. For example: "The ancient ruins are part of the nation's cultural patrimony."

What can I say instead of "patrimony"?

You can use alternatives like "inheritance", "heritage", or "legacy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "patrimony" or "inheritance"?

"Patrimony" and "inheritance" are both correct, but "patrimony" often implies a broader sense of inherited cultural or societal values, while "inheritance" more directly refers to property or assets.

What's the difference between "patrimony" and "heritage"?

"Patrimony" often refers to something specifically inherited, especially from one's father or ancestors, whereas "heritage" is a broader term encompassing anything inherited or transmitted from the past, including cultural traditions and historical sites.