Heirs Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/aɪrz / 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

n. (plural) The people or group of people who will inherit property, title, name, or other things from someone, especially a family member or relative, after they have passed away.

Examples

• The couple had no living heirs to leave their estate to.
• The company owners planned for their heirs to take over the business.

Synonyms

• Inheritor
• Recipient

Antonyms

• Beneficiary
• Heirloom

Additional Information

Heirs can be determined by a will, a trust, or by law. In some cases, the right of inheritance may be disputed or challenged. The role of an heir can be significant, as they may be responsible for managing the estate, making decisions about the distribution of assets, and carrying on the family name or legacy.

The concept of heirs has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, with different customs and laws governing the process of inheritance. In some cultures, the eldest son or daughter may be considered the primary heir, while in others, the inheritance may be divided equally among all children.

Heirs may also be responsible for preserving family traditions, cultural heritage, and historical artifacts. In some cases, the heir may be expected to continue a family business or maintain a family property.

Etymology

The word “heirs” comes from the Old English word “ær,” meaning “heir” or “inheritor.” This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*airiz,” which is also the source of the Modern German word “Erbe,” meaning “heir” or “inheritance.”

Usage Notes

The word “heirs” is typically used in formal or legal contexts, such as in wills, trusts, and estate planning. However, it can also be used in more informal settings to refer to people who will inherit property or assets.

When using the word “heirs,” it’s essential to consider the context and the specific laws or customs that govern inheritance in a particular culture or society.

Cultural References

The concept of heirs has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “The Heir” by Robin McKinley explores the theme of inheritance and the responsibility that comes with being an heir.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Heir apparent”
• “Next in line to inherit”

Related Words or Phrases

• Beneficiary
• Inheritor
• Recipient

Collocations

• “Heirs to the throne”
• “Heirs to a fortune”
• “Heirs of a legacy”

Frequency of Use

The word “heirs” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is increasingly used in formal and legal contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “heirs” appears in about 1.5 per 100 million words in American English.

Common Misspellings

• Heires
• Hiers
• Airs