We explain what something inherent is, the origin of the term, various synonyms and antonyms. Also, examples of its use in sentences.
What is something inherent?
What is inherent is that which constitutes an inseparable characteristic of something. An inherent property is one that by its nature is linked to the thing and cannot be thought of outside of it. Inherent things are those that cannot be chosen, that are obligatory with something, or that are constant in some types of situations.
For example, we say that a responsibility is inherent to a certain position to express that whoever occupies that position must guarantee its fulfillment. In such case, responsibility is inherent to the position: it is his own and the position cannot be considered outside of said responsibility.
See also: Essence
Etymology and uses
The word “inherent” comes from Latin inhaerensparticiple of the present active of inhaerereand translates as “to be internally united to”. From it come words like “inheritance” (that of the parents that corresponds to the children) or “attached” (glued, set).
the word inherent It can be used in various contexts and in relation to different disciplines, according to which its particular meaning varies.
In grammar, for example, the word is used inherent to refer to a grammatical property adjacent to a word. This property, of an inherent nature, will be present in the word beyond the syntactic function it fulfills.
In the case of philosophy and according to Empedocles (494-434 BC), what inherent refers to the fact that the qualities of matter come from the relative proportions of each of the four elements that enter into the thing in question. This argument was taken up by Plato (427-347 BC) in his work Timaeus. However, he also used the word inherent to explain the presence of form in matter as an active principle that puts into action the possibilities of matter.
Synonyms and antonyms of inherent
They are synonymous with inherent the following terms:
- own
- inseparable
- related
- attach
- corresponding
- constitutive
- consubstantial
- immanent
- innate
On the contrary, they are antonyms of inherent the following words:
- accidental
- occasional
- improper
- accessory
- disengaged
- apart
Examples of use of inherent
the word inherent It can be used in different ways. These are some examples:
- Reproduction is a fact inherent to all forms of life.
- Certain needs are inherent to the production process.
- He didn't want to hurt anyone, but it seemed inherent to his lifestyle.
- Defeat is a possibility inherent to all forms of competition.
- The use of the ball is inherent to the nature of football.
- They explained to him that being hit was inherent to the job of a boxer.
Continue with: Intrinsic
References
- Trépanier, S. (2014). Empedocles: an interpretation.
- Plato. Dialogues VI: Philebus, Timaeus, Critias. Gredos.
- Alcalá, RR, & Ariza, MDMM (2013). Rethinking hedonism: from happiness in Epicurus to Lipovetsky's hyperconsumer society. Endoxa.
- Bieda, E.E. (2005). The pleasure of being happy. Notes on the possible peripatetic antecedents of Epicurean hedonism. Nova tellus, 23(1), 99-148.
- “Inherent” in the language dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Inherent” in the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of doubts of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Inherent” in Etymologies dechile.net.
- “Inherent – synonyms and antonyms” in Wordreference.
