intestate

American  

[in-tes-teyt, -tit] / ɪnˈtɛs teɪt, -tɪt /

adjective

1. (of a person) not having made a will.

   to die intestate.

2. (of things) not disposed of by will.

   Her property remains intestate.

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noun

1. a person who dies intestate.

intestate British  

/ ɪnˈtɛsteɪt, -tɪt /

adjective

1. 1. (of a person) not having made a will

   2. (of property) not disposed of by will

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noun

1. a person who dies without having made a will

Other Word Forms

• intestacy noun

Etymology

Origin of intestate

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin intestātus, equivalent to in- in- ³ + testātus testate

Compare meaning

How does intestate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• testate vs. intestate

Example Sentences

“Dying intestate in California often prolongs the probate process, increasing legal and court fees,” the law firm says.

From MarketWatch

Even if your mother-in-law died intestate, your husband would be the sole heir.

From MarketWatch

Your friend is giving her son more work and leaving her estate in limbo if she doesn’t make a will, and dies intestate, assuming there was no prior will.

From MarketWatch

"The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit," he said.

From BBC

He was concerned that if he died intestate, his proprieties would not be passed to Li.

From Seattle Times