Word: Death Duty
Definition:
Death duty is a noun that refers to a tax that is charged on the property and money (the estate) that a person leaves behind when they die.
Usage Instructions:
When using the term "death duty," it is usually used in discussions about taxes, inheritance, or estate planning. It often comes up in legal or financial contexts.
Example Sentence:
"After her grandfather passed away, she had to pay death duty on the value of his estate."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might see "death duty" used in comparative contexts, such as debates about tax policies or estate management strategies. For example:
"The government is considering lowering death duty rates to encourage more people to leave their wealth to charity."
Word Variants:
- Death Duties (plural): This term refers to the same concept but emphasizes multiple instances or types of taxes that may apply. - Inheritance Tax: In some countries, "inheritance tax" is used interchangeably with "death duty," though there may be slight differences in their application depending on local laws.
Different Meaning:
While "death duty" specifically refers to taxes on an estate, it does not have other meanings in general English usage.
Synonyms:
- Inheritance tax - Estate tax - Death tax
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "death duty." However, you might encounter phrases related to estate planning or financial discussions, such as "wind up the estate," which means to settle the financial affairs of a deceased person's estate.
Note:
Different countries have different laws and terms regarding taxes on inheritance or estates, so the specific application of "death duty" may vary depending on where you are.