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.
权威例句
1. His heir sold the painting to the London art dealer Agnews.
他的继承人把这幅画卖给了伦敦艺术品经销商阿格纽斯。
2. He was seen as Mr Olsen's heir apparent.
他被视为奥尔森先生理所当然的继任者。
3. He wanted to beget an heir.
他想生个子嗣。
4. to be heir to a large fortune
是大笔财产的继承人
5. The King's eldest son is the heir to the throne.