Want to say bequeath differently? Here are other words for bequeath and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of bequeath
The primary meaning of the word "bequeath" is to leave or give something to someone in a will.
Etymology of bequeath
The word "bequeath" has its roots in Old English, derived from "be" (meaning "by" or "through") and "cwyth" or "cwoth" (meaning "saying" or "statement"), with influences from Old Norse "kveða" (meaning "to say" or "to speak").
Historically, the term was used to denote the act of leaving or giving something to someone through a will or testament, with the first recorded usage dating back to the 15th century.
Synonyms
leave
will
devise
bequeath
give
grant
bestow
confer
endow
entrust
assign
transfer
convey
pass
hand
donate
gift
devise
legate
transfer
convey
assign
demise
demise
cede
yield
relinquish
surrender
abandon
forsake
leave behind
hand down
pass down
pass on
give away
dispose of
distribute
allocate
apportion
Definitions
- Oxford Languages defines "bequeath" as a verb meaning to leave or give (something) to someone in a will, typically a large amount of money or property.
- It can also mean to pass on or hand down (a quality, trait, or characteristic) to someone, especially a descendant.
Usage Examples
- The wealthy businessman bequeathed his entire estate to his grandchildren.
- She bequeathed her collection of rare books to the university library.
- The company's founder bequeathed his shares to his sons.
- The artist bequeathed her talents to her apprentices.