inherently
gb/ɪnhˈɛɹəntli/ us/ɪnhˈɛɹəntli/
C1
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
as a built‑in or natural part
In a way that is part of the basic nature of something and cannot be separated from it.
Usage pattern:
be inherently [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "inherently" with "inherited" or "inherit," but "inherently" does not relate to receiving something from parents; it means something is part of a thing's basic nature. Another common mistake is placing it before a noun instead of an adjective, for example "an inherently risk job" instead of "an inherently risky job." It is most natural after the verb "be" and before an adjective: "The task is inherently dangerous."
Synonyms
intrinsically (Very close in meaning; slightly more technical or academic, often used in philosophy or science.)
|
by nature (More informal and conversational, often used about people or living things.)
|
fundamentally (Stresses being basic or central; can also refer to importance, not only to being built-in.)
Antonyms
superficially (Suggests something only appears a certain way on the surface, not in its basic nature.)
|
artificially (Suggests something is created from the outside, not part of its natural or original character.)
Collocations
inherently dangerous
|inherently unstable
|inherently flawed
|inherently unfair
|inherently good
|inherently selfish
Themes
thinking
|evaluation
|science
|philosophy
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The job is inherently stressful, no matter how well the team is managed.
- Some sports are inherently more dangerous than others.
- The system is inherently unfair to smaller companies.
- Human language is inherently complex and full of exceptions.
- Nuclear power is not inherently evil, but it carries serious risks.
Learner examples
- This work is inherently difficult for one person.
- Driving at high speed is inherently risky.
- The plan is inherently weak and will probably fail.
- Humans are not inherently good or bad.
- Some materials are inherently more stable than others.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inherently
IPA
GB/ɪnhˈɛɹəntli/
US/ɪnhˈɛɹəntli/
Syllables & stress
in - her - ently (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (her)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: inherently
- Plural: inherentlies
Word family
Forms
inherentlies
noun
Core family
inherent
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
inhere
verb
inherence
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.