To inherit means to receive something from someone who has died, usually money, property, or possessions. When a grandmother passes away and leaves her house to her grandchildren, they inherit the house. People also inherit family heirlooms like jewelry, photographs, or furniture that get passed down through generations.

The word extends beyond physical things. You can inherit characteristics from your parents through your genes: maybe you inherited your mother's curly hair or your father's height. People sometimes say they inherited a talent or trait, though this is more casual usage, since talents also require practice and development.

Inherit can also mean receiving a situation or problem from whoever came before you. When a new class president takes office, she inherits whatever projects and challenges the previous president left behind. A coach who takes over a struggling team inherits a losing record and low morale.

An inheritance is what someone inherits, whether that's money, property, or even a difficult situation.