bequeath

verb

be·​queath bi-ˈkwēth 

-ˈkwēt͟h,

bē- 

bequeathed; bequeathing; bequeaths

transitive verb

1

: to give or leave by will (see will entry 2 sense 1)

—used especially of personal property

a ring bequeathed to her by her grandmother

2

: to hand down : transmit

lessons bequeathed to future generations

bequeathal

bi-ˈkwē-thəl 

-t͟həl

bē-

noun

Synonyms

• leave
• will

Examples of bequeath in a Sentence

He bequeathed his paintings to the museum.

Lessons of the past are bequeathed to future generations.

Recent Examples on the Web

The story follows housemates Bernie and Leah, who embark on a trip across rural Pennsylvania to pick up artwork bequeathed to Bernie by her disgraced former photography teacher. —Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 22 May 2024

Thus, a campaign that respects what our founders bequeathed us seeks what is necessary for America to thrive for generations to come. —Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024

In Montenegro, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, China made such deals with corrupt or authoritarian-leaning governments that then bequeathed the debt to less corrupt and more democratic governments, saddling them with responsibility for getting out of crises. —Michael Bennon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023

In addition, bequeathing property abroad can be complicated, to say the least. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bequethen, from Old English becwethan, from be- + cwethan to say — more at quoth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bequeath

verb

be·​queath bi-ˈkwēth  -ˈkwēt͟h 

1

: to give or leave property by a will

2

: hand down sense 1

traditions bequeathed by our ancestors

bequeathal

-əl 

noun

Legal Definition

bequeath

transitive verb

be·​queath bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēt͟h 

: to give by will

—used especially of personal property but sometimes of real property see also legacy, legatee compare devise

Etymology

Old English becwethan to speak to, address, leave by will, from be- to, about + cwethan to say