in ‧ her ‧ it /ɪnˈherət, ɪnˈherɪt/ BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: enheriter 'to say that someone will receive your property after death' , from Latin hereditas ; ⇨ ↑ heredity ]
1 . [intransitive and transitive] to receive money, property etc from someone after they have died
inherit something from somebody
He inherited a fortune from his grandmother.
inherited wealth
2 . [transitive] if you inherit a situation, especially one in which problems have been caused by other people, you have to deal with it:
The present government inherited a closed, state-dominated economy.
3 . [transitive] to have the same character or appearance as your parents
inherit something from somebody
Mr. Grass inherited his work ethic from his father.
I inherited my mother’s curly hair.
4 . [transitive] to get something that someone else does not want anymore
inherit something from somebody
We inherited the furniture from the previous tenants.
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THESAURUS
▪ get [not in passive] to get something by finding it, asking for it, or paying for it:
I’ve been trying to get some information.
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She went to the bank to get some money.
▪ obtain formal to get something:
Maps and guides can be obtained from the tourist office.
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The newspaper has obtained a copy of the letter.
▪ acquire formal to get something – used about knowledge, skills, or something big or expensive:
The course helps older people to acquire computing skills.
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He acquired the property in 1985.
▪ inherit to get someone’s money or property after they die:
Jo inherited a lot of money from her mother.
▪ gain to get something useful or necessary, such as knowledge or experience:
I’ve gained a lot of useful experience.
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The research helped us gain an insight into how a child’s mind works.
▪ earn to get something because you deserve it:
He had earned a reputation as a peacemaker.
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She earned a lot of respect from her colleagues.
▪ get hold of something informal to get something that is rare or difficult to find:
I’m trying to get hold of a ticket for the game.
▪ lay your hands on something informal to get something that you want very much or that you have spent a lot of time looking for:
I read every book I could lay my hands on.