Definition

This term describes something that is not inherited from parents or ancestors, meaning it does not come from family lineage.

Example

The condition was found to be nonhereditary, affecting only those without a family history of the disease.

Conversation

Did you know that some health issues are nonhereditary?

Really? I thought most of them were passed down from family.

Nope, some are caused by lifestyle or environmental factors.

That makes sense; it's good to know we can control some of them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonhereditary → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "hereditary" (from Latin "hereditarius", meaning inherited or pertaining to inheritance). The word "nonhereditary" means not inherited or not passed down through generations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') when remembering that 'nonhereditary' refers to something that is not passed down through family inheritance.

Visually Confused Words