inhere

American  

[in-heer] / ɪnˈhɪər /

verb (used without object)

inhered, inhering

1. to exist permanently and inseparably in, as a quality, attribute, or element; belong intrinsically; be inherent.

   the advantages that inhere in a democratic system.

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inhere British  

/ ɪnˈhɪə /

verb

1. to be an inseparable part (of)

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Other Word Forms

• preinhere verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of inhere

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin inhaerēre, equivalent to in- in- ² + haerēre “to stick”

Explanation

To inhere is to be a permanent or essential part of something. A duty to do what's best for the American people inheres in the position of President of the United States. Since the 16th century, inhere has been used for qualities that are intrinsic to something or someone. These day's it's an extremely formal way to talk about inherent characteristics: "To him, extreme competitiveness inheres in human nature, but I disagree." In legal writing, inhere is used for rights that are connected to owning property.

Example Sentences

Despite the difficulties that inhere in Holocaust memoir — we believe we know this history, and its subject matter defies language — “Mala’s Cat” is fresh, unsentimental and utterly unpredictable.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2022

Still, for all its pain, the movie is about the virtue and the quality that inhere in success.

From The New Yorker • Nov. 5, 2018

The genius doesn't inhere in Lee's screenplay but in the total package.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2018

“Tragedy and good and evil often inhere in the same situation,” he said in response to the outcry in January.

From Time • Sep. 23, 2015

Much of the novel's interest, quite permissibly, may inhere in persons, episodes, and matter generally without relation to the main thread of the story.

From The Technique of Fiction Writing by Dowst, Robert Saunders