bequeathed
bequeathed
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "bequeathed" is:
bɪˈkwiːðd
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
bi (first syllable)
b - voiced bilabial plosive (same as "b" in "boy")
ɪ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (similar to "i" in "bit")
kwiːð (second syllable)
kʷ - labialized velar plosive (like "k" but with rounded lips)
iː - close front long vowel (like "ee" in "feet")
ð - voiced dental fricative (like "th" in "the")
d - voiced alveolar plosive (like "d" in "dog")
Word Form Variations
"Bequeathed" itself is a verb, so it doesn't have variations for singular or plural. However, there are related words derived from "bequeath" that come in different forms:
Verb conjugations:
Present participle: bequeathing
Past participle: bequeathed
Third-person singular present tense: bequeaths
Nouns:
beˈqueathal (n.) - the act of bequeathing something
beˈqueathment (n.) - something that is bequeathed (inherited)
Adjective:
be·queath·able (adj.) - able to be bequeathed
Other:
be·queath·er (n.) - the person who bequeaths something
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
bequeath (bɪˈkwiːð)
Definition: To give or leave something (usually money or property) to someone after you die in a legal document called a will.
Synonyms: leave, will, grant, bestow, assign
Antonyms: disinherit, disown
Nouns:
bequeathal (ˌbeˈkwiːθəl)
Definition: The act of giving or leaving something to someone after you die in a will.
Synonyms: bequest, legacy
bequeathment (ˌbeˈkwiːðmənt)
Definition: Something that is given or left to someone after you die in a will.
Synonyms: inheritance, legacy
Adjective:
bequeathable (bɪˈkwiːðəbl)
Definition: Legally able to be given or left to someone after you die in a will.
Synonyms: disposable (by will), heritable (formal)
Antonyms: un-bequeathable (informal), inalienable (not transferable)
Examples of Use
Literature:
Book: "In her will, Miss Havisham bequeathed her entire fortune to Pip." (Charles Dickens, Great Expectations)
Newspapers:
Headline: "Tech Billionaire Bequeaths Millions to Environmental Causes" (The Guardian, [ hypothetical source ])
Online Publications:
Blog Post: "How to Bequeath Your Digital Assets Securely" (Lifehacker)
Entertainment:
Movie: In the movie "Black Panther," King T'Challa bequeaths a valuable artefact to his sister Shuri.
TV Show: On the TV show "This Is Us," Rebecca Pearson is surprised to learn she's been bequeathed a cabin by her estranged mother.
Public Discourse:
Conversation: "My grandfather always said he wanted to bequeath his work ethic to his grandchildren."
Legal Document: The will clearly states that Mr. Jones bequeaths his house to his niece.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Bequeathed
While there aren't many direct uses of "bequeathed" in super famous quotes, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of leaving something behind, inheriting something, or the legacy we leave:
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller (This quote reflects the intangible qualities we might bequeath to future generations)
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote speaks to the legacy of actions and character we leave behind)
"You don't inherit the earth from your parents; you borrow it from your children." - Native American Proverb (This proverb highlights the responsibility of bequeathing a healthy planet)
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela (This quote emphasises the power of knowledge that can be passed on)
"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. People forget names engraved in stone, but they remember names etched in hearts." - Suzy Kassem (This quote suggests the importance of lasting relationships over material possessions)
"Fear is a thief that can steal your joy. Don't let it take hold." - Chelsea Clinton (This quote reflects the potential negative legacy of fear that can be passed down)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (This quote emphasises the importance of a legacy of continuous learning)
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." - Jimmy Johnson (This quote highlights the impact of even small positive actions that can be a legacy)
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson (This quote reflects the importance of leaving a positive impact as a legacy)
"We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein (This quote emphasises the need to leave a legacy of innovative solutions)
Etymology
The word "bequeath" has a long history, going all the way back to Old English, which was spoken before the year 1150! Back then, the word was "becwethan" and it didn't just mean leaving something to someone after you die. It actually meant to "say" or "speak" in general.
Think of it like this: imagine someone on their deathbed giving their final words and instructions. They might be "bequeathing" their wishes to their family. Over time, the meaning narrowed down to specifically refer to leaving possessions or money in a will.
So, even though "bequeath" doesn't sound much like "say" anymore, they're actually distant cousins in the world of words!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Bequeathed
Bequeath a legacy: This means to leave something significant and lasting behind, not necessarily a physical object. It could be a tradition, a set of values, or a positive impact on the world.
Bequeath to posterity: This is a more formal way of saying "bequeath a legacy" and refers to leaving something behind for future generations.
Bequeathed with (something): This emphasises the nature of what is being left behind. For example, "She was bequeathed with a strong work ethic from her parents."
Here are some idioms that don't directly use "bequeath" but capture a similar meaning:
Pass down: This implies the act of transferring something, like knowledge, skills, or traditions, from one generation to another.
Hand down: Similar to "pass down," but can also refer to physical possessions.
Leave something in one's wake: This emphasises the lasting impact of something, even if it's not necessarily something tangible.
Posts Related to Bequeathed
Source Information
Definition of bequeathed from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.