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

But it was discovered this year after an Austrian citizen was bequeathed it by a relative who had bought it in 1960. —The Week Uk, theweek, 29 Dec. 2024

Boy Willie and Berniece clash over an upright piano bequeathed by an ancestor who had carved the likenesses of various family members into the instrument’s wooden surface, creating a unique — talismanic — work of art. —Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024

The home is the site of an impressive French Impressionist collection bequeathed to Memphians by philanthropists Margaret Oates Dixon and Hugo Norton Dixon. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2024

They have been bequeathed an equal financial stake in the company, but no voting power, according to The Times. —Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 10 Dec. 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