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

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

From Salon

San Ramon police initially chased some of the suspected vehicles but stopped the pursuit “due to the inherent danger to the public.”

From Los Angeles Times

With good ingredients, a little technique, and respect for the inherent generosity of the dish, a rice casserole moves from nostalgic relic to weeknight star.

From Salon

One possibility is that the country's inherent strengths – its wealth, infrastructure, institutional resilience – will see it through what many feel is a historic turning-point.

From BBC

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time that "like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself".

From BBC

Related Words

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