The word "heirloom" is spelled with the letter combination "ei" instead of "ie" due to the influence of the word's French origin. In IPA phonetic transcription, "heirloom" is pronounced as /ˈɛr.luːm/, with emphasis placed on the first syllable. The word refers to a valuable object that is passed down from generation to generation within a family, such as an antique piece of furniture or a treasured family recipe. Heirlooms serve as tangible reminders of family history and serve to connect generations to their past.
An heirloom is a noun referring to a valuable or cherished object, typically a piece of jewelry, furniture, or other personal item, that has been passed down from generation to generation within a family. These items possess great sentimental or historical significance, often representing the heritage and traditions of a particular family lineage.
Typically, an heirloom is cherished not only for its material value but also for the intangible connections it holds to the past. Such objects may carry personal stories, memories, or emotions associated with the individuals who owned or used them in previous eras. They are treasured possessions that are often passed down through wills or as gifts, ensuring their continued preservation and inheritance by future generations, symbolizing a sense of continuity and legacy.
Heirlooms can encompass a wide range of items, including antique jewelry, artwork, books, family photographs, kitchenware, or even pieces of clothing. The value of an heirloom lies primarily in its sentimental worth rather than its commercial or monetary value. They serve as tangible links to one's ancestry, preserving family history and traditions, and embodying a sense of cultural heritage.
In summary, an heirloom is a cherished possession of significant personal or historical importance, often passed down through generations within a family. These objects carry deep emotional connections and symbolize the preservation of family identity and heritage.
Any movable article which by law descends to the heir with the freehold.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "heirloom" originated from Middle English and is a fusion of two words: "heir" and "loom".
The term "heir" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "eor". It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "arją", meaning "harvest" or "harvest-time". Over time, it evolved to "ǣrfæder", meaning "ancestor" or "the one who had the right to inherit".
"Loom", on the other hand, comes from Old English "gelōma", which referred to a tool or utensil. It can be connected to the Old English verb "gelōman", meaning "to permit" or "to befit".
The combination of "heir" with "loom" in Middle English resulted in "heirlome", originally meaning an item or property inherited from one's ancestors.