Meaning & use

inherent

adjective·Academic

Existing as a natural, permanent, or essential feature of something rather than being added later.

See it in a sentence

There is an inherent risk in any investment, no matter how careful the planning.

Curiosity seems inherent in young children long before they start school.

A note on using this word

Usually followed by in or to, and pairs commonly with abstract nouns like risk, value, or flaw.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

acquiredextrinsic

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