c. 1300, from Anglo-French heir, Old French oir "heir, successor," from Latin heredem (nominative heres) "heir, heiress" (see heredity). Heir apparent (late 14c.) has the French order of noun-adjective, though it was not originally so written in English. It is the heir of one still alive whose right is clear. After death the heir apparent becomes the heir-at-law.
例文
1. His heir sold the painting to the London art dealer Agnews.
彼の後継者はこの絵をロンドンの美術品ディーラー、アグネスに売却した。
2.He was seen as Mr Olsen 's heir apparent.
彼はオルセン氏の当然の後任とされている。
3.He wanted to beget an heir .
彼は子を産みたいと思っている。
4.to be heir to a large fortune
は、多額の財産の相続人である
5.The King 's eldest son is the heir to the throne.