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inherent

American  
[in-her-uhnt, -heer-] / ɪnˈhɛr ənt, -ˈhɪər- /

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 British  
/ ɪnˈhɪərənt, -ˈhɛr- /

adjective

  1. existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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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.

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

Despite the show’s inherent absurdity, “there’s truly a lot of consumer demand for it,” Justine Moore, a partner on the investing team at Andreessen Horowitz said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hamilton added that he, too, saw the paradox inherent in the new rules.

From BBC

“The first is “The Longest Way Home,” where I was trying to come to terms with getting married again, where I was asking, how do you maintain intimacy and preserve your inherent solitude?

From Los Angeles Times

In January, he said he aimed for transparency in explaining to them the inherent risks of his career and his coming journey.

From Barron's