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

Derived Forms

• inˈherently, adverb

Other Words From

• in·her·ent·ly adverb
• non·in·her·ent adjective
• un·in·her·ent 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.

Related Words

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