inherent
gb/ɪnhˈɛɹənt/ us/ɪnhˈɛɹənt/
C1
English
~ 8200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
existing as a natural, essential part
Belonging to something as a natural and basic part that cannot easily be removed.
Usage pattern:
inherent in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "inherent" with "inherited" or "innate". "Inherited" is used for things passed from parents (like genes or money), while "inherent" means a built-in part of something, not necessarily from parents. Many learners also say only "inherent to"; while "inherent to" exists, "inherent in [something]" is more common and natural in most contexts.
Synonyms
intrinsic (Very close in meaning; often slightly more technical or academic, especially in science and philosophy.)
|
innate (Suggests a quality present from birth or from the beginning, especially for abilities or tendencies, not just any built-in feature.)
Antonyms
external (Focuses on something coming from the outside, not part of the thing’s basic nature.)
|
acquired (Emphasizes that a quality developed or was learned later, rather than being a built-in, original part.)
Collocations
inherent in
|inherent risk
|inherent right
|inherent bias
|inherent limitation
|inherent power
Themes
philosophy
|science
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Risk is inherent in any investment, no matter how safe it seems.
- The desire for connection is inherent in human nature.
- These flaws are inherent in the current design of the system.
- Every job has an inherent level of stress.
- The court recognized freedom of speech as an inherent right of all citizens.
Learner examples
- Some danger is inherent in this sport.
- Change is inherent in all living things.
- There is an inherent risk when you drive fast.
- Noise is inherent in this old machine.
- The story shows the inherent good and bad in people.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inherent
IPA
GB/ɪnhˈɛɹənt/
US/ɪnhˈɛɹənt/
Syllables & stress
in - her - ent (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (her)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: inherent
Word family
Core family
inherently
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
extrinsic
adjective
Advanced or less common
inhere
verb
inherence
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.