adjective
Related Words
See essential.
Other Word Forms
- inherently adverb
- noninherent adjective
- uninherent adjective
Etymology
Origin of inherent
First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin inhaerent- (stem of inhaerēns ), present participle of the verb inhaerēre inhere; -ent
Compare meaning
How does inherent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
It is still unclear what AI shopping will look like, and there is inherent tension between retailers and AI companies as they figure that out.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Feminist filmmakers have drawn out these inherent themes from the book, the most recent and loudest example being Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
The “Mormon Wives” brand is steeped in the kind of stylized transparency inherent to social media, where Paul rose to prominence as a MomTok influencer.
From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026
The inherent similarities between Russian and Iranian drones means there is significant overlap in the input materials they need to wage their wars simultaneously.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
In Tannhauser, Lohengrin and The Mastersingers of Nuremberg he reworked ancient legend-fables so that his contemporaries would be uplifted by the chivalric pride inherent in the tales.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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.
