bequeath a fortune

Meaning

To formally leave a large amount of money, property, or assets to someone in a will after death. While originating in legal terminology, it is used in daily life to describe passing down significant family wealth or legacy.

Examples

• The eccentric billionaire decided to bequeath his entire fortune to a local animal shelter.

  The eccentric billionaire decided to bequeath his entire fortune to a local animal shelter.

• She was shocked to discover that her late aunt had bequeathed a fortune to her.

  She was shocked to discover that her late aunt had bequeathed a fortune to her.

• Instead of spending his wealth, he chose to bequeath a fortune to his grandchildren.

  Instead of spending his wealth, he chose to bequeath a fortune to his grandchildren.

• The historical documents reveal how the merchant bequeathed a fortune to fund the university.

  The historical documents reveal how the merchant bequeathed a fortune to fund the university.

• It is common for wealthy individuals to bequeath a fortune to charitable foundations.

  It is common for wealthy individuals to bequeath a fortune to charitable foundations.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He bequeathed his fortune for his son.

  ✓ He bequeathed his fortune to his son.

  The verb 'bequeath' takes the preposition 'to' when indicating the recipient, not 'for'.

• ✗ She bequeathed a fortune from her grandfather.

  ✓ She was bequeathed a fortune by her grandfather.

  The giver bequeaths the fortune to the receiver. If you are the receiver, you 'inherit' it, or 'are bequeathed' it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• In his will, the old man chose to ___ to his loyal housekeeper.

  💡 A formal way to say leave a lot of money when you die.

  Show answer

  bequeath a fortune

• She didn't have to work a day in her life because her parents ___ to her.

  💡 Use the past tense of the formal verb for leaving wealth.

  Show answer

  bequeathed a fortune