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

It’s also my job to hold the belief that others can resource this same inherent fullness within themselves, without requiring me to empty my life into theirs, as proof of love.

From Los Angeles Times

And here lies the inherent contradiction about security guarantees.

From BBC

Given that pain and loss are inherent to the story, Williams also was grateful for the project’s “unstoppable sense of humor,” where absurdism and slapstick sit effortlessly alongside fear and grief.

From Los Angeles Times

But the production’s living bond with the audience opened my eyes to the realism inherent in this folktale romance, laden with history and floating on a song.

From Los Angeles Times

They also said Ukraine should be capable of "defending itself effectively" and pledged to continue providing military support to Kyiv, which was "exercising its inherent right of self-defence".

From BBC

Related Words

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