What does "primogeniture" mean?
The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.
Primogeniture
/ˌprʌɪmə(ʊ)ˈdʒɛnɪtʃə/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.
- Grammar: primogeniture is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abolition effort, aboriginality, age, ancien regime.
- Useful contrasts: equal division, partible inheritance, postremogeniture.
- Usage evidence: Primogeniture was ever driving from England her younger sons to found New Englands and expand the commerce of the motherland.
How to use "primogeniture"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "primogeniture" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "primogeniture" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "primogeniture" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "primogeniture" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents. countable, uncountable
- 2 right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son wordnet
- 3 The principle that the eldest child has an exclusive right of inheritance. countable, uncountable
"On these grounds, I contend the mere possession of large property, which is all that primogeniture insures, is by no means a sufficient and unobjectionable qualification for a legislator."
- 4 An instance of such a right of inheritance, established by custom or law. countable
"The King of Sardinia, by a decree of the 9th of Dec. has abolished— 1. The prohibition against the erection of primogenitures and feudal rights, enacted by the 9th section of the edict of the 29th of July 1797, or by any other law; restricting, however, to those primogenitures and majorats only which shall be erected in favour of persons[…]."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Primogeniture was ever driving from England her younger sons to found New Englands and expand the commerce of the motherland."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "primogeniture"?
Common synonyms include: abolition effort, aboriginality, age, ancien regime, ancientness, antiquity.
How do you use "primogeniture" in a sentence?
Primogeniture was ever driving from England her younger sons to found New Englands and expand the commerce of the motherland.
How do you pronounce "primogeniture"?
Pronounced /ˌprʌɪmə(ʊ)ˈdʒɛnɪtʃə/.
Etymology
From French, from Late Latin primogenitura, from Latin primus (“first”) + genitura (“birth”) (from genitus, past participle of gignere).