hereditari

Hereditari is a Latin infinitive meaning to inherit or to become an heir. It appears in classical and late Latin texts, particularly in discussions of succession, wills, and the transfer of property or rights. In these contexts the verb describes the act by which an individual acquires possessions, status, or legal rights through inheritance.

Etymology and related terms in Latin are tied to the broader concept of inheritance. The root concept is mirrored by cognate forms such as hereditas, meaning inheritance or heritage, and heres, meaning heir. The lexical family surrounding hereditari centers on the transmission of property or status through familial or legal lines.

In modern usage, hereditari is mainly encountered in Latin-language scholarship, grammar references, and historical legal documents. It is not a standard term in contemporary English. When Latin passages are translated, hereditari is typically rendered as “to inherit” or “to be an heir,” with the exact meaning determined by context—whether the emphasis is on the act of inheriting or on the status of the heir.

See also: inheritance, heredity, hereditary, Latin grammar, Latin terms related to law and succession.