Spell Bee Word: disinherited

Basic Details

Word: Disinherited

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To take away someone's right to inherit money or property from a family member.

Synonyms: Excluded, disowned

Antonyms: Inherited, received

Idioms and Phrases

1. Cut off at the knees: To put someone in a position where they cannot succeed, often by taking something important away. Example: "His brother was cut off at the knees when their father disinherited him from the family estate."
2. Throw someone under the bus: To betray someone or take away their support, often for one's own benefit. Example: "She felt disinherited when her business partner threw her under the bus to save himself."

Usage Examples

Example 1: After a disagreement, he was shocked to find that he had been disinherited from his father’s will.

Example 2: The letter stated that she would be disinherited unless she agreed to return home.

Example 3: Many families face conflict over inheritance, leading to one member being disinherited.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the concept of disinheritance has been part of legal systems for centuries? It was often used to ensure that family fortunes were kept within certain lines or to punish heirs for unacceptable behaviour.

Famous Quote

"The true measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be caught." - Lord C. C. Penrose. This quote relates to disinheritance, as it reflects on how individuals may act selfishly when it comes to family wealth and legacy.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "disinherited" mean?

a) To give someone a gift
b) To take away someone's right to inherit
c) To include someone in a will
d) To adopt someone

Answer: b) To take away someone's right to inherit

2. Which of these is a synonym of "disinherited"?

a) Included
b) Disowned
c) Accepted
d) Supported

Answer: b) Disowned

3. Which of these is an antonym of "disinherited"?

a) Excluded
b) Inherited
c) Disgraced
d) Disallowed

Answer: b) Inherited

4. Which sentence uses "disinherited" correctly?

a) She disinherited her old toys to charity.
b) They felt disinherited after the family decision.
c) He disinherited cookies from his jar.
d) The teacher disinherited the students for being late.

Answer: b) They felt disinherited after the family decision.

5. Which idiom means to harm someone's future prospects?

a) Cut off at the knees
b) Under the weather
c) As clear as mud
d) A bird in the hand

Answer: a) Cut off at the knees