: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : intrinsic
risks inherent in the venture
inherentlyadverb
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Don't Get Stuck on the Meaning of Inherent
Inherent literally refers to something that is "stuck in" something else so firmly that they can't be separated. A plan may have an inherent flaw that will cause it to fail; a person may have inherent virtues that everyone admires. Since the flaw and the virtues can't be removed, the plan may simply have to be thrown out and the person will remain virtuous forever.
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. 2007There were those who trusted the innate goodness of humanity, and those who believed in its inherent crookedness. Terry Eagleton, Harper's, March 2005The 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 He has an inherent sense of fair play. an inherent concept of justice
Recent Examples on the WebChildren should be taught, by parents and by teachers, that all people have inherent value and worth. Renata Cló, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2022 There’s inherent value here for a team that was the top-seeded AFC representative last season. Lance Pugmire, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2022 The survey’s results validate crypto-skeptics’ criticisms that currencies lack inherent value and rely unduly on bringing in new investors to enrich the old ones. Steven Zeitchik, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2022 Most of all it’s a captivating, thought-provoking read, leaving its audience with a greater sense of the complexity and inherent value of these sovereigns of the deep. Hannah Fish, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Aug. 2022 Aside from the financial and environmental benefits of streetcars, Nero sees inherent social value in riding along with one’s fellow citizens. Nathaniel Adams, Chron, 15 Aug. 2022 All subsidiaries have inherent value in their businesses and have different strategic goals. Joe Cornell, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 The insurance market varies greatly by locality and the hazards inherent to the area.New York Times, 23 Aug. 2022 Harjo, who was photographed in his home by Indigenous artist Shane Brown, spoke over Zoom in early August about the pressures inherent to a sophomore run, giving white people permission to laugh, and those unfortunate Emmy snubs. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre — see inhere