inherent

Definitions

in- (inside) + her (stick) + -ent (adj.) = "sticking inside." Here the in- means 'within,' not the negative 'not.' If a quality is stuck so deep inside a thing that you can't peel it off, it's inherent — built-in, part of the thing's very nature. The inherent risk of a job is glued into the work itself.

Why It Means This

Inherent always says 'this belongs to the thing itself, not added from outside.' The image is something stuck so deep inside (in- + haerēre 'stick') that it can't be separated out. That's why it pairs naturally with nature, quality, risk, danger, flaw — each names a trait that is part of the thing's very makeup rather than an external add-on.

Common Collocations

• 1.inherent risk固有风险
• 2.inherent danger固有危险
• 3.inherent flaw固有缺陷
• 4.inherent in（某事物）所固有的

Example Sentences

• 1.

  There are inherent risks in any kind of investment.

• 2.

  Kindness seems to be inherent in her character.

• 3.

  The design has an inherent flaw that can't be fixed.

Easily Confused

inherent vs. innate: both mean 'built-in,' but innate is used mostly of living beings and their traits (innate talent, innate curiosity), while inherent applies broadly to things, systems, and situations (inherent risk, inherent contradiction). A baby has innate reflexes; a plan has inherent flaws.