Pronunciation: [bɪkwˈɛst] (IPA) 
The word "bequest" is spelled bee-kwest. It is a noun that refers to property or money left to someone in a will. The phonetic transcription of this word is /bɪˈkwɛst/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "kit". The second syllable contains the "kw" consonant blend followed by a short "e" sound as in "get". The final syllable contains a "st" consonant blend pronounced as in "best".
Bequest, noun:
A bequest refers to the act of leaving personal property or assets to someone or an organization through a will or testamentary document. It is a method of distributing assets after one's death according to their wishes and testamentary intentions.
When an individual, referred to as the testator, passes away with a valid will, they may specify in the document how they want their property, money, or assets to be distributed amongst beneficiaries. These beneficiaries could be family members, friends, or even charitable organizations. The specific allocation of assets or property is called a bequest.
Bequests are often used to establish and shape one's legacy, ensuring that their belongings are distributed in accordance with their intentions. The testator typically provides detailed instructions on how the bequest should be carried out, including specifying the beneficiaries, the nature and value of the assets to be distributed, and any conditions or requirements that must be met for the recipient to inherit the bequest. These conditions may include the recipient reaching a certain age, completing specific educational goals, or any other stipulations the testator deems necessary.
Overall, a bequest is a deliberate and thoughtful act of leaving a part of one's estate to others, whether it be family, friends, or organizations, as an expression of their final wishes.
Something left by will; a legacy.
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 "bequest" derives from the Middle English term "bequessen", which came from Old English "becwethan". The Old English word is a combination of the prefix "be-" meaning "about, around" and the verb "cwethan" meaning "to say, speak". Thus, "bequessen" originally meant "to say or speak around", referring to the act of making a declaration or a formal statement regarding the distribution of one's possessions after death. Over time, the term evolved and developed into "bequest", specifically denoting the act of leaving something to someone in a will.
