inhere

American  

[in-heer] / ɪnˈhɪər /

verb (used without object)

inhered, inhering

1. to exist permanently and inseparably in, as a quality, attribute, or element; belong intrinsically; be inherent.

   the advantages that inhere in a democratic system.

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inhere British  

/ ɪnˈhɪə /

verb

1. to be an inseparable part (of)

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Other Word Forms

• preinhere verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of inhere

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin inhaerēre, equivalent to in- in- ² + haerēre “to stick”

Explanation

To inhere is to be a permanent or essential part of something. A duty to do what's best for the American people inheres in the position of President of the United States. Since the 16th century, inhere has been used for qualities that are intrinsic to something or someone. These day's it's an extremely formal way to talk about inherent characteristics: "To him, extreme competitiveness inheres in human nature, but I disagree." In legal writing, inhere is used for rights that are connected to owning property.

Example Sentences

These contradictions inhere in every medium, of course.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 17, 2019

The genius doesn't inhere in Lee's screenplay but in the total package.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2018

“Tragedy and good and evil often inhere in the same situation,” he said in response to the outcry in January.

From Time • Sep. 23, 2015

The question of extremism does not inhere in any particular religion or any one part of the world.

From The Guardian • Sep. 6, 2015

Subsist, sub-sist′, v.i. to have existence: to remain, continue, inhere: to have the means of living.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various