What is hereditary? Pronunciation and usage in English

hereditary means . Learn how to pronounce and use hereditary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hereditary

hereditaryadjective

/hɪˈrɛdɪt(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of hereditary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hereditary." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • he-: Like the word "he" - pronounced as /hi/
  • -er-: Like the word "her" - pronounced as /ər/ (a short "er" sound, almost like "uh")
  • -i-: Like the word "i" - pronounced as /i/
  • -ta-: Like the word "ta" - pronounced as /tə/ (a short "tuh" sound)
  • -ry: Like the word "ry" - pronounced as /ri/

2. Putting it Together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. "he": /hi/
  2. "her": /ər/
  3. "i": /i/
  4. "ta": /tə/
  5. "ry": /ri/

Combined: /hiˈrɪt(ə)ri/

3. Emphasis & Breakdown for Clarity:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress): The stressed syllable is "ri" – the last syllable.
  • hi-ər-i-tə-ri You'll want to give a slightly longer, stronger sound to the "ri" at the end.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "her-ed-i-tary." The "e" in "her" is silent.
  • The "i" in "hereditary" is not pronounced like "heir." It's a short "i" sound, as in "bit."
  • The "ta" sound is quick and connected. Don’t separate it too much.

5. Hearing it:

The absolute best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are a few resources:

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hereditary (Listen to the audio pronunciation button)
  • Google Dictionary: Search "hereditary pronunciation" on Google, and you’ll find an audio clip.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce hereditary" – you’ll find several videos demonstrating different pronunciations.

To help me further refine the pronunciation guide for you, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Are there any sounds that you find particularly challenging?

Usage and examples with the word hereditary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hereditary" in English. It's a relatively formal word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

"Hereditary" essentially means transmitted from parents to their children; inherited. It refers to something that is passed down through a family line.

2. Common Usage:

Here's how you'll see it used:

  • Traits/Characteristics: This is the most frequent usage.

    • "He has an hereditary predisposition to migraines." (He's likely to get migraines because his parents or ancestors did too.)
    • "The family is known for its hereditary wealth." (The wealth has been passed down through generations.)
    • "She suffers from an hereditary form of diabetes." (The type of diabetes she has is linked to her family history.)
    • "Strong eyesight is an hereditary trait in our family."

  • Diseases/Conditions: Often used to describe medical conditions.

    • "Huntington’s disease is a hereditary neurological disorder."
    • “Certain cancers can be hereditary, meaning they are caused by genes passed down from a parent.”

  • Titles/Positions: (Less common now, but still used)

    • "The dukedom is hereditary – it must be passed down to a male heir."

3. Grammar & Sentence Structure:

  • Adjective: “Hereditary” almost always functions as an adjective, describing a noun. (e.g., “hereditary wealth,” “hereditary disease.”)

  • “Hereditary…” is often followed by a noun: “hereditary right,” “hereditary immunity,” “hereditary condition.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Inherited
  • Familial
  • Ancestral
  • Genetic

5. Examples in Context:

  • "The farmer’s success could be attributed to his hereditary connection to the land."
  • "Researchers are studying the hereditary factors involved in heart disease."
  • “The monarch’s role is hereditary, ensuring a continuous line of rulers.”

6. Important Notes:

  • Genetic Connection: "Hereditary" implies a genetic link – a connection through genes. It’s not just something inherited in a general sense.

  • Formal Tone: "Hereditary" has a more formal and academic feel than “inherited.” You'd be more likely to hear it in medical or historical contexts than in everyday conversation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a medical report, a historical essay, a casual conversation?)
  • What specifically are you struggling with when using the word? (e.g., understanding the nuance, finding the right sentence structure, knowing when it's appropriate?)

Synonyms for the word hereditary

Practice with vocabulary hereditary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many forms of color blindness are X-linked and are thus considered to have a strong ______ basis.
  2. While some conditions are acquired, others, like sickle cell anemia, are primarily ______, passed down through generations.
  3. The board of directors needs to thoroughly analyze the ______ of their decision on employee morale and productivity.
  4. Effective leadership often requires the ability to ______ team members and foster a collaborative environment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a characteristic or disease that is passed down genetically from one generation to the next? a) Acquired b) Inherited c) Congenital d) Environmental e) Hereditary

  2. In many royal families, the right to the throne is considered ______ and is determined by lineage rather than by election. a) elective b) merit-based c) honorary d) hereditary e) ancestral

  3. The medical team is investigating the ______ predispositions that increase an individual's risk for certain chronic conditions. a) extrinsic b) hereditary c) acquired d) genetic e) random

  4. Before presenting the findings, the researchers had to ______ all the raw data to identify patterns and anomalies. a) synthesize b) disseminate c) analyze d) obscure e) conjecture

  5. To effectively manage the project, it is crucial to ______ clear objectives and allocate resources accordingly. a) ignore b) establish c) postpone d) define e) misinterpret

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The doctor explained that the increased risk of heart disease often runs in families.
  2. Many scientists are studying how certain personality traits are passed down from parents to their children through genes.
  3. The committee's vague guidelines made it difficult for members to understand their responsibilities.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hereditary
  2. hereditary
  3. consequences
  4. motivate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Inherited, e) Hereditary
  2. d) hereditary, e) ancestral
  3. b) hereditary, d) genetic
  4. a) synthesize, c) analyze
  5. b) establish, d) define

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The doctor explained that the increased risk of heart disease often has a hereditary component.
  2. Many scientists are studying the heritability of certain personality traits.
  3. The committee's ambiguous guidelines made it difficult for members to understand their responsibilities.

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