inherent

[ in-her-uhnt, -heer- ]

adjective

1. existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute; inhering:

   an inherent distrust of strangers.

   Synonyms: ingrained, inbred, native, innate

2. Grammar. standing before a noun.

inherent

/ -ˈhɛr-; ɪnˈhɪərənt /

adjective

1. existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic

Derived Forms

• inˈherently, adverb

Other Words From

• in·her·ent·ly adverb
• non·in·her·ent adjective
• un·in·her·ent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inherent¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin inhaerent- (stem of inhaerēns ), present participle of the verb inhaerēre inhere; -ent

Synonym Study

See essential.

Example Sentences

BEST ACTOR Joaquin Phoenix, Inherent Vice There is no better actor—right now—than Joaquin Phoenix.

From The Daily Beast

Now Jena Malone is 30, and with roles in Inherent Vice, The Hunger Games, and a massive superhero film, all the rage.

From The Daily Beast

So too does Inherent Vice, which is something like a love letter written in pot smoke to the Gold Coast.

From The Daily Beast

Despite the inherent risk, the president decided the mission was crucial.

From The Daily Beast

We nerds, especially, with our inherent distrust of social situations, love to make “the press” the enemy of our heroes.

From The Daily Beast

She must be freed through the progress of Liberal ideas in France and Germany—not by her own inherent energies.

From Project Gutenberg

This fear of the invisible world, so inherent in simple natures, has been implanted for a wise purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

She knew she possessed them, because they were inherent, inseparable with her being.

From Project Gutenberg

Religion is, therefore, not political in origin; it is an inherent part of existence.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile it was this foolish habit—nothing more—that undermined the inherent firmness of his nature.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• built-in
• constitutional
• deep-rooted
• deep-seated
• essential
• fundamental
• genetic
• implicit
• ingrained
• innate
• instinctive
• internal
• intrinsic
• latent
• natural