Bequeath vs Bequest: Usage Guidelines and Popular Confusions

When it comes to legal terms, it’s easy to get confused by similar-sounding words. Bequeath and bequest are two such words that people often mix up. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between bequeath vs bequest and when to use each of them.

It’s important to note that both bequeath and bequest are proper words. However, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. Bequeath means to pass something on to someone else after your death, usually in a will. Bequest, on the other hand, refers to the property or assets that are passed on in this way.

Now that we’ve clarified the definitions, let’s delve deeper into the differences between bequeath vs bequest. Understanding these differences is important for anyone who wants to ensure that their final wishes are carried out in the way they intended.

Define Bequeath

Bequeath is a verb that refers to the act of leaving or passing on personal property or assets to another person or entity through a legal document such as a will. The individual who is leaving the property or assets is known as the testator, while the person who receives them is called the beneficiary.

Bequeathing can be done for various reasons, such as ensuring that loved ones are taken care of after the testator’s death or supporting a charitable cause. It is important to note that bequeathing only applies to personal property, which includes tangible items such as jewelry, furniture, and artwork, as well as intangible assets like stocks, bonds, and patents.

Define Bequest

Bequest is a noun that refers to the personal property or assets that are left to a beneficiary through a legal document such as a will. It is the actual property or assets that are being transferred from the testator to the beneficiary.

Bequests can be specific, such as leaving a particular piece of jewelry to a grandchild, or general, such as leaving a percentage of the estate to a charity. The terms of the bequest are outlined in the will and must be followed by the executor of the estate.

Comparison of Bequeath and Bequest

Bequeath	Bequest
Refers to the act of leaving or passing on personal property or assets	Refers to the actual personal property or assets that are left to a beneficiary
Is a verb	Is a noun
Applies only to personal property	Can be specific or general
Examples: “I bequeath my collection of rare books to my niece.”	Examples: “The bequest to the charity was for 10% of the estate.”

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Bequeath and bequest are two words that are commonly confused. They have similar meanings but are used in different ways. This section will provide a brief introduction on how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Bequeath In A Sentence

Bequeath is a verb that means to leave something to someone in a will or pass something down to someone. It is often used in legal contexts. Here are some examples of how to use bequeath in a sentence:

• My grandfather bequeathed me his antique watch.
• The wealthy businessman bequeathed his entire estate to charity.
• She plans to bequeath her art collection to her children.

As you can see from these examples, bequeath is used to describe the act of leaving something to someone in a will or passing something down to someone.

How To Use Bequest In A Sentence

Bequest is a noun that refers to something that is left to someone in a will. It is also often used in legal contexts. Here are some examples of how to use bequest in a sentence:

• The bequest of the antique watch was a surprise to the family.
• The charity received a large bequest from the wealthy businessman.
• The bequest of the art collection was a source of conflict among the family members.

As you can see from these examples, bequest is used to describe something that is left to someone in a will. It is not used as a verb like bequeath.

More Examples Of Bequeath & Bequest Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the difference between bequeath and bequest, it is helpful to look at examples of each word used in sentences. Here are some examples of how bequeath and bequest can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Bequeath In A Sentence

• He decided to bequeath his entire estate to his children.
• She wanted to bequeath her jewelry collection to her granddaughter.
• The philanthropist decided to bequeath a large sum of money to the local hospital.
• He had no children to bequeath his property to, so he left it to his favorite charity.
• The author’s will stated that he would bequeath the rights to his books to his wife.
• She wanted to bequeath her antique furniture to the museum.
• The millionaire decided to bequeath a portion of his fortune to his loyal employees.
• He planned to bequeath his art collection to the university.
• She chose to bequeath her vintage car to her nephew.
• The elderly man decided to bequeath his coin collection to his grandson.

Examples Of Using Bequest In A Sentence

• The bequest from her late aunt allowed her to pay off her student loans.
• The museum received a bequest of rare paintings from a generous donor.
• His will included a bequest to his alma mater.
• The library was grateful for the bequest of a rare book collection.
• She made a bequest to the animal shelter in her will.
• The scholarship fund received a bequest from a wealthy philanthropist.
• He left a bequest to his favorite charity in memory of his late wife.
• The art museum was the recipient of a valuable bequest from a local collector.
• Her bequest to the hospital helped fund a new research wing.
• The university was surprised to receive a bequest from a former student who had never made a donation during his lifetime.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to estate planning and inheritance, the terms “bequeath” and “bequest” are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Bequeath” As A Noun

One common mistake is using “bequeath” as a noun instead of a verb. For example, saying “I received a bequeath from my grandfather” is incorrect. The correct usage is “I received a bequest from my grandfather.”

Using “Bequest” As A Verb

Another common mistake is using “bequest” as a verb instead of a noun. For example, saying “My grandfather bequested me his antique watch” is incorrect. The correct usage is “My grandfather bequeathed his antique watch to me.”

Confusing “Bequeath” With “Devise”

Bequeath refers to the act of leaving personal property to someone in a will, while devise refers to leaving real property. Using “bequeath” when referring to real property is incorrect. For example, saying “My grandmother bequeathed me her house” is incorrect. The correct usage is “My grandmother devised her house to me.”

Using Both Terms In The Same Sentence

Using both “bequeath” and “bequest” in the same sentence can be confusing and incorrect. It is important to choose the correct term depending on the context. For example, saying “My father bequeathed his car to me in his bequest” is redundant. The correct usage is “My father bequeathed his car to me in his will.”

Tips To Avoid Common Mistakes

• Use “bequeath” when referring to personal property and “devise” when referring to real property.
• Remember that “bequeath” is a verb and “bequest” is a noun.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct term in the appropriate context.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words bequeath and bequest can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are related to the act of leaving something behind after death, they have different connotations and are used in different contexts.

Bequeath

The word bequeath is often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to the act of leaving something behind in a will or testament. It implies a deliberate and planned act of passing on something to someone else. For example, a wealthy person might bequeath their estate to a charitable organization or to their children.

Bequeath can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the act of passing on something valuable or important to someone else. For example, a teacher might be said to bequeath knowledge to their students, or a mentor might bequeath wisdom to their protégé.

Bequest

The word bequest, on the other hand, is typically used to refer to the thing that is left behind, rather than the act of leaving it. It is often used in legal or formal contexts, but can also be used in more informal contexts. For example, a family heirloom might be referred to as a bequest, or a charitable organization might receive a bequest of funds from a donor’s estate.

Bequest can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the legacy or impact that someone leaves behind after they are gone. For example, a famous artist might leave behind a bequest of their works, or a philanthropist might leave behind a bequest of good deeds.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Context	Word Choice	Explanation
Legal Will	Bequeath	Refers to the intentional act of leaving something behind in a will or testament
Family Heirloom	Bequest	Refers to the thing that is left behind, such as a valuable item or inheritance
Mentorship	Bequeath	Refers to the act of passing on knowledge or wisdom to someone else
Philanthropy	Bequest	Refers to the legacy or impact that someone leaves behind, such as a charitable donation or good deeds

Overall, the choice between bequeath and bequest depends on the specific context in which they are used. Understanding the connotations and nuances of each word can help ensure that the correct word is used in each situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While bequeath and bequest are generally used in specific contexts, there are some exceptions where the rules for using these terms might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Inheritance Law

Inheritance law can be complex, and there are situations where the terms bequeath and bequest may not apply in the traditional sense. For example, in some cases, a person may not be able to bequeath their property or assets due to legal restrictions. In such cases, the property or assets may be inherited through intestacy laws, which vary depending on the jurisdiction.

2. Trusts

In the context of trusts, the terms bequeath and bequest may not be used in the same way as they are in wills. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds property or assets for the benefit of a beneficiary. In this case, the property or assets are transferred to the trust, rather than being bequeathed or left as a bequest.

3. Charitable Giving

When it comes to charitable giving, the terms bequeath and bequest are often used interchangeably. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the nature of the gift. For example, if a person wants to donate a specific item, such as a piece of artwork, they may bequeath it to the charity. On the other hand, if they want to donate a sum of money, they may make a bequest in their will.

4. Linguistic Differences

It is worth noting that the use of bequeath and bequest may vary depending on the linguistic context. For example, in British English, the term bequeath is more commonly used than bequest. In American English, both terms are used interchangeably.

While bequeath and bequest are generally used in specific contexts, there are exceptions where the rules for using these terms may not apply. Understanding these exceptions can help ensure that you use the correct term in the appropriate context.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of bequeath and bequest is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you master these two words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (bequeath or bequest) to complete the following sentences:

1. My grandfather decided to ________ his antique watch collection to me.
2. After her death, her will specified that her entire estate would be given as a ________ to charity.
3. He wanted to ________ his family home to his children, but they were not interested in keeping it.
4. The wealthy businessman decided to ________ a large sum of money to his alma mater.
5. She hoped to ________ her love of art to her grandchildren by taking them to museums and galleries.

Answer Key:

1. bequeath
2. bequest
3. bequeath
4. bequeath
5. bequeath

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using bequeath and a sentence using bequest:

• Bequeath:
• Bequest:

Answer Key:

• Bequeath: My great-aunt plans to bequeath her vintage car to me when she passes away.
• Bequest: The wealthy philanthropist made a bequest of $1 million to the local animal shelter in his will.

By practicing with exercises like these, you can become more confident in your ability to use bequeath and bequest correctly in your writing and conversations.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between bequeath and bequest, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Bequeath refers to the act of leaving something to someone in a will, while bequest refers to the actual item or property that is left behind.

It is important to use these terms correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Using the wrong term can lead to legal issues, especially when dealing with wills and estates.

Key Takeaways

• Bequeath and bequest are not interchangeable terms.
• Bequeath refers to the act of leaving something to someone in a will.
• Bequest refers to the actual item or property that is left behind.
• Using these terms correctly can help avoid legal issues.

Remember, language is constantly evolving, and it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use. By staying informed, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.