Heir Presumptive (Noun)
Meaning
A person who expects to inherit but whose right can be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- As the current heir presumptive, James was aware that the birth of a child to his uncle would change his position in the line of succession.
- In the event that his brother did not produce an heir, Henry would remain the heir presumptive to the family fortune.
- At the time of his death, Edward's nephew was the heir presumptive, but a surprise will left the estate to a distant cousin instead.
- When her mother married a younger man, Emma's status as heir presumptive to the family business was no longer certain.
- Before the arrival of a long-awaited male heir, the duke's daughter had been the heir presumptive to the throne.