Heritage vs. Inherited: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Heritage refers to cultural, traditional, or ancestral practices, properties, and knowledge passed down through generations. Inherited refers to assets or genetic traits received from predecessors.
Key Differences
Heritage represents a broad term that embodies the cultural, historical, and sometimes physical assets, traits, or traditions passed down from previous generations. These could include language, rituals, architecture, and more. In contrast, "inherited" is often used in a narrower context to describe something tangible or biological that one directly receives from one's ancestors, such as property or genetic traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Heritage typically encompasses collective or communal aspects, serving as a part of a group or society's shared identity. On the other hand, "inherited" is generally more individualistic, focusing on the assets or traits that a person or entity has directly acquired from predecessors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Grammatically, "heritage" primarily functions as a noun. It describes something held in common by a group, often intangible. "Inherited," however, is generally used as a past participle or an adjective to describe something that has been passed down, as in "inherited wealth" or "inherited characteristics."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
To summarize, heritage refers to a broad array of cultural, historical, or traditional attributes that are collectively shared and passed down. In contrast, "inherited" deals more with the individual reception of particular assets, whether tangible like property or intangible like genetic traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Heritage and Inherited Definitions
Heritage
Shared history
The heritage of the Civil Rights Movement is important.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Heritage
Ancestral traditions
Our family's heritage includes various holiday rituals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Heritage
Cultural legacy
The heritage of the Native Americans is rich and diverse.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Inherited
Passed-down responsibilities
She inherited her father's role in the community.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Heritage
Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright
A heritage of affluence and social position.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
A domesticated animal or a crop of a traditional breed, usually not widely produced for commercial purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Inherited
To receive or take over from a predecessor
The new administration inherited the economic problems of the last four years.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Inherited
(Biology) To receive (a characteristic) from a parent or ancestor by genetic transmission.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
A tradition; a practice or set of values that is passed down from preceding generations through families or through institutional memory.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Inherited
To gain (something) as one's right or portion
"A certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (King James Bible).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
A birthright; the status acquired by birth, especially of but not exclusive to the firstborn.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
(attributive) Having a certain background, such as growing up with a second language.
A heritage speaker; a heritage language
The university requires heritage Spanish students to enroll in a specially designed Spanish program not available to non-heritage students.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
That which is inherited, or passes from heir to heir; inheritance.
Part of my heritage,Which my dead father did bequeath to me.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
A possession; the Israelites, as God's chosen people; also, a flock under pastoral charge.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
Practices that are handed down from the past by tradition;
A heritage of freedom
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Inherited
Tending to occur among members of a family usually by heredity; as, an inherited disease.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
Any attribute or immaterial possession that is inherited from ancestors;
My only inheritance was my mother's blessing
The world's heritage of knowledge
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Inherited
Tending to occur among members of a family usually by heredity;
An inherited disease
Familial traits
Genetically transmitted features
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Heritage
That which is inherited; a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
FAQs
Can heritage be tangible?
Yes, heritage can include tangible assets like buildings and artifacts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can heritage be individual?
Generally, heritage is considered collective but can have individual significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
How is property inherited?
Property is often inherited through a legal will or by statutory rules.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can skills be inherited?
Skills are generally learned, but predispositions can be inherited.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Is heritage always positive?
Heritage can have both positive and negative aspects.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
What is usually inherited?
Property, wealth, and genetic traits are commonly inherited.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can heritage include food?
Yes, culinary traditions can be part of cultural heritage.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is heritage only cultural?
No, heritage can also include historical, architectural, and intangible assets.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is language part of heritage?
Yes, language is often considered an essential part of cultural heritage.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
How are genetic traits inherited?
Genetic traits are inherited through DNA from parents.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Can you refuse an inheritance?
Yes, an inheritance can generally be legally refused.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
What's the legal process to protect heritage?
Heritage sites are often protected by cultural or historical preservation laws.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
