First Known Use: 1581
Dictionary
inherent
adjective in·her·ent \in-ˈhir-ənt, -ˈher-\
: belonging to the basic nature of someone or something
Full Definition of INHERENT
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : intrinsic <risks inherent in the venture>
— in·her·ent·ly adverb
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Examples of INHERENT
- It is one more proof that our world has lost the kind of exquisite sensibility displayed by John Milton when he came up with his definition of poetry. He first wrote “simple, sensual, and passionate,” but he was bothered by the grossness inherent in “sensual,” and so he invented the word “sensuous.” —Florence King, National Review, 24 Sept. 2007
- There were those who trusted the innate goodness of humanity, and those who believed in its inherent crookedness. —Terry Eagleton, Harper's, March 2005
- The problem … is inherent and perennial in any democracy, but it has been more severe in ours during the past quarter-century because of the near universal denigration of government, politics and politicians. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 29 Oct. 2001
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Origin of INHERENT
Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre (see inhere)
Related to INHERENT
- Synonyms
- built-in, constitutional, constitutive, essential, hardwired, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained (also engrained), innate, integral, intrinsic, native, natural, in one's blood
- Antonyms
- adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic
Rhymes with INHERENT
INHERENT Defined for Kids
inherent
adjective in·her·ent \in-ˈhir-ənt, -ˈher-\
Definition of INHERENT for Kids
: belonging to or being a part of the nature of a person or thing <She has an inherent sense of fairness.>
— in·her·ent·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
inherent
adjective in·her·ent \in-ˈhir-ənt, in-ˈher-\
Medical Definition of INHERENT
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature <the skin's inherent elasticity—Kathleen C. Engles>
—in·her·ent·ly adverb
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