adjective
Synonym Usage
See essential.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inherent
First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin inhaerent- (stem of inhaerēns ), present participle of the verb inhaerēre inhere; see -ent
Compare meaning
How does inherent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Use the adjective inherent for qualities that are considered permanent or cannot be separated from an essential character. We use the adjective inherent to describe attributes that are part of the essential nature of something. It's different from you being tall, rather than being a description, it has to be a quality and this quality is unchangeable. So, for example, if you have never been able to eat spinach, you have an inherent dislike of it.
Vocabulary lists containing inherent
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3
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Dear Martin
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Tuesdays with Morrie
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lionel Scaloni's side know that where there is Messi there is hope - but there is also an abundance of talent elsewhere, backed by an inherent hatred of defeat.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
“Females and males have inherent physical differences relevant to athletic performance,” Kavanaugh wrote.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026
Much of the film’s first act revolves around the party’s inherent awkwardness, giving all four players the chance to relay the texture of their personalities.
From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026
Thus, this shocking program was exploiting doctors and the trust inherent in their relationships with patients, and it was also divisive among the many hardworking physicians.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026
It seemed to have an aura, a warmth, but also an inherent danger.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
