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

/ ɪnˈhɪərənt, -ˈhɛr- /

adjective

1. existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic

Other Word Forms

• inherently adverb
• noninherent adjective
• uninherent 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

The group dynamic is what interests Young most because what lies beneath is an inherent "double bind".

Read more on BBC

Downhill supporters say critics who focus on times violate the spirit of the sport and ignore the challenges inherent in mountain running.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Then lastly, we would say one of our inherent advantages is we are able to provide flexible financing to customers.

Read more on Barron's

And the president might possess inherent power to wage war as he sees fit without a formal authorization from Congress, as officials argued during Bush’s presidency.

Read more on Salon

I believe the problem is conditional as opposed to being something inherent in mankind.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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