Basic Details
Word: Hereditary
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is passed down from parents to their children, usually traits or diseases.
Synonyms: Inherited, familial, genetic
Antonyms: Acquired, non-hereditary
Idioms and Phrases
- Hereditary hero: A term used to describe a person who comes from a long line of brave ancestors. Example: "He likes to think of himself as a hereditary hero in his family."
- In her blood: Refers to traits that seem to be naturally passed down through generations. Example: "Her artistic talent is in her blood, just like her grandmother's."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The doctors explained that the condition was hereditary, meaning it could be passed from parents to their children.
Example 2: Some hereditary traits include eye colour and certain health conditions.
Example 3: Because of their hereditary talent for music, many members of the family become accomplished musicians.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the concept of hereditary traits is rooted in the work of Gregor Mendel, who discovered the basic principles of genetics in the 19th century by studying pea plants?
Famous Quote
"An artist's genes are hereditary, but their talent isn't." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hereditary" mean?
a) A type of food
b) Something passed down from parents
c) A kind of animal
d) A fashion style
Answer: b) Something passed down from parents
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hereditary"?
a) Acquired
b) Inherited
c) Unique
d) Random
Answer: b) Inherited
3. Which sentence uses "hereditary" correctly?
a) Hereditary bicycles are very popular.
b) The hereditary disease affected some members of the family.
c) She baked a hereditary cake for her friend.
d) Hereditary birds can sing beautifully.
Answer: b) The hereditary disease affected some members of the family.
4. Which idiom means a trait passed down through generations?
a) In her blood
b) Head over heels
c) Run a mile
d) A horse of a different colour
Answer: a) In her blood
5. What is the opposite of "hereditary"?
a) Genetic
b) Acquired
c) Familial
d) Innate
Answer: b) Acquired
