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Inherent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฌ
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inherent

[ษชnหˆhษชr.ษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

characteristic

Existing as an essential characteristic; intrinsic.

Synonyms

inborn, innate, intrinsic, natural.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inherent

Best used to describe qualities that are naturally a part of something or someone and cannot be separated from it.

  • Honesty was an inherent part of her personality
  • The risk is inherent in the investment
intrinsic

Used to emphasize that something is a fundamental part of the nature or essence of something else.

  • The intrinsic value of the artwork is not related to its market price
  • Love and compassion are intrinsic aspects of human nature
innate

Utilized to talk about qualities or abilities that are present from birth and not earned or acquired later.

  • She has an innate ability to make people feel comfortable
  • His innate curiosity led him to explore the world
inborn

Appropriate for describing qualities or abilities that someone is born with.

  • He has an inborn talent for music
  • Her inborn sense of direction always amazed people
natural

Commonly used to describe qualities or abilities which someone has without having to be taught them, often associated with ease or no effort.

  • She has a natural ability to lead
  • His natural talent for storytelling captivated the audience

Examples of usage

  • The belief in the inherent goodness of people.
  • The inherent dangers of the job were well known.
  • The rights inherent in citizenship.
  • She has an inherent talent for music.
  • The company's success is inherent in its strong leadership.
Context #2 | Adjective

genetics

Existing in an organism from birth; inherited.

Synonyms

genetic, inborn, inherited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inherent

This word is the same as the first one. It means something that is a permanent and essential part of something or someone.

  • Bravery is an inherent trait in many leaders.
  • The challenges are inherent in any new venture.
inherited

Typically used when referring to traits, possessions, or characteristics that are passed down from parents or ancestors. Can also refer to non-genetic factors.

  • She inherited her grandmother's jewelry.
  • John has inherited his father's business acumen.
inborn

Describes qualities or abilities that someone is naturally born with.

  • He has an inborn talent for music.
  • Her inborn sense of direction is impressive.
genetic

Specifically refers to qualities, traits, or disorders that are passed from parents to their children through genes.

  • Genetic testing can determine if you are predisposed to certain diseases.
  • Some people have a genetic propensity for high metabolism.

Examples of usage

  • Certain diseases are inherent in some families.
  • The color of his eyes is an inherent trait.
  • The inherent genetic makeup of an individual.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate what characteristics are inherent to human beings, such as reason, morality, and the capacity for love.
  • Inherent traits can be contrasted with acquired traits, leading to discussions on nature vs. nurture.

Psychology

  • Some psychologists explore inherent personality traits, suggesting that certain behaviors and tendencies are biometrically encoded.
  • Inherent fears, such as fear of falling, are believed to be built into us to promote survival.

Law

  • In legal contexts, rights can be described as inherent, suggesting they exist naturally and are not granted by laws or governments.
  • Human rights are often framed as inherent to all people, foundational to ensuring dignity and freedom.

Science

  • Inherent properties of materials, like electrical conductivity or thermal expansion, determine how they can be used in technology.
  • Biologists study inherent traits in species to understand evolution, like how some animals are naturally camouflaged.

Origin of 'inherent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'inhaerere', meaning 'to stick to' or 'to cling to', indicating something that is deeply connected.
  • It entered English in the 14th century, evolving with philosophical discussions about the nature of existence.

The word 'inherent' originated from the Latin word 'inhaerentem', which means 'adhering to'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of inherent characteristics has been a subject of philosophical and scientific discussions throughout history, with debates on nature versus nurture. The understanding of inherent traits has influenced fields such as genetics, psychology, and ethics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,901, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.