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

Chance plays a huge role in a breed going viral, he said, but it helps to have some inherent appeal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“There is an inherent sense of trust and ease, a sacred space to know that we’re here to do this work, and so there’s no egos.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“While volatility remains inherent, these conditions indicate bitcoin’s portfolio integration is being tested, and raises questions of whether this is a temporary correction or a more prolonged adjustment.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And while volatility is “inherent,” with double-digit pullbacks normal, the broader trend remains “constructive.”

Read more on MarketWatch

But allowing anyone to testify in their own defense has inherent risks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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