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primogeniture

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpraɪməʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

KK: /ˌpraɪməˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

noun
Definition

The right of the firstborn child to inherit everything from their parents, usually referring to the eldest son.


Example

In many royal families, primogeniture determines who will inherit the throne.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about primogeniture and how it affects inheritance?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's the idea that the oldest child usually gets everything, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It seems a bit unfair to the other siblings, don’t you think?
Sloth B
Definitely, especially if the younger ones contribute a lot to the family.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inheritance
succession
heirship
Antonyms
division
sharing
disinheritance
Root Explanation

Primogeniture → It is formed from "primus" (meaning first) and "genitura" (meaning birth or origin). The term refers to the right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate or title, emphasizing the significance of being the firstborn.

Memory Tip

Think of 'first' ('primus') and 'birth' ('genitura') to remember that primogeniture means the right of the firstborn to inherit.

Visually Confused Words
progeniture
postremogeniture
ultimogeniture
progenitress
postgeniture
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