inherent

Inherent describes a property or quality that exists in something as a permanent, inseparable part of its nature. Such attributes are considered to be built-in or fundamental, not arising from external conditions or circumstances. If an attribute is inherent, it is typically thought to follow from what the thing is rather than from how it is used or what is done to it.

The term comes from the Latin inhaerent-, from inhaerere, "to cling to," and entered English through Middle French and early modern usage. It has long been used in philosophy, science, law, and everyday language to indicate something that cannot reasonably be removed or separated from the thing itself.

In practice, inherent is often discussed alongside intrinsic and essential qualities. Intrinsic emphasizes value, usefulness, or characteristics that belong to the thing in itself. Essential refers to properties that define a thing. Inherent connotes necessity or inescapability within the nature of the entity, rather than contingent features.

Examples include the inherent risks of an activity, which are risks that cannot be eliminated without changing the nature of the activity; or the inherent stability of a chemical compound under certain conditions. In law, a government may claim inherent powers, meaning powers held as part of the office rather than conferred by statute.

Because usage overlaps with related terms, clarity often comes from context and phrasing: one speaks of inherent in, or inherent to a thing, or of inherent characteristics.