Both Uses of
inherent
in
Main Street
- …as corn-beef hash; that the word "dude" is no longer frequently used; that there are Ministers of the Gospel who accept evolution; that some persons of apparent intelligence and business ability do not always vote the Republican ticket straight; that it is not a universal custom to wear scratchy flannels next the skin in winter; that a violin is not inherently more immoral than a chapel organ; that some poets do not have long hair; and that Jews are not always pedlers or pants-makers.†
Chpt 20
- In France or Tibet quite as much as in Wyoming or Indiana these timidities are inherent in isolation.†
Chpt 22 *
Definition:
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(inherent) existing as an inseparable part or characteristiceditor's notes: Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
Less-common, but more specific synonyms include "innate" and "intrinsic."
You might choose "innate" when referring to a living entity's inherent characteristic since birth (e.g., an innate intelligence) or to a characteristic that is not obvious at first glance (e.g., "Government has an innate tendency to grow.")
You might choose "intrinsic" when referring to an inherent characteristic upon which other characteristics depend (e.g., "Steel beams were intrinsic to the design.")