bequeath

[bih-kweeth, -kweeth]

verb (used with object)

1. to dispose of (personal property, especially money) by last will.

   She bequeathed her half of the company to her niece.

   Synonyms: consign, grant, bestow, leave, impart, will

2. to hand down; pass on.

3. Obsolete.,  to commit; entrust.

bequeath

/ bɪˈkwiːð, -ˈkwiːθ /

verb

1. law to dispose of (property, esp personal property) by will Compare devise

2. to hand down; pass on, as to following generations

Other Word Forms

• bequeathal noun
• bequeather noun
• bequeathable adjective
• bequeathment noun
• unbequeathable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequeath¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English bequethen, Old English becwethan ( be- be- + cwethan “to say” ( quoth ), cognate with Old High German quedan, Gothic qithan )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequeath¹

Old English becwethan ; related to Old Norse kvetha to speak, Gothic qithan , Old High German quethan

Example Sentences

Mr. Rein implores us to override the divisive reflexes evolution has bequeathed us.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For Labour, the fear that runs to their bones is bequeathing power to an outfit they loathe, Reform UK.

Read more on BBC

Brandi Schmitt is director of the anatomical donation programme at the University of California, a popular destination for people wishing to bequeath their bodies.

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It takes time for newly-elected presidents to assemble their cabinet, cue up a legislative program, address the problems — or coast on the economic health — bequeathed them by their predecessors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“When you lose someone you love, they bequeath you something, a gift.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bestow 
• entrust 
• hand down 
• impart 
• pass on