Heir apparent

An heir apparent is a person who is first in an order of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting by the birth of another person. An heir presumptive, by contrast, is someone who is first in line to inherit a title but who can be displaced by the birth of a more eligible heir. The term is also used metaphorically to indicate an expected successor to any position of power, e.g. a political or corporate leader.

Heir apparent

An heir apparent is a person who is first in an order of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting by the birth of another person. An heir presumptive, by contrast, is someone who is first in line to inherit a title but who can be displaced by the birth of a more eligible heir. The term is also used metaphorically to indicate an expected successor to any position of power, e.g. a political or corporate leader.