inherently
UK[ɪnˈhɪərəntli]US[ɪnˈhɪrəntli]
adv
in a way that exists as a natural or basic part of something and cannot be separated from it
Morpheme Breakdown
in
here
ent
ly
in
in
here
stick
ent
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word "inherently" is built upon the latin verb haerēre, meaning "to stick, to cling". the prefix in- (meaning "in") was combined with the present participle stem haerent- to form the latin inhaerens, meaning "sticking in" or "clinging to". this gave rise to the english adjective "inherent", describing a quality so firmly attached to something that it is an inseparable and permanent characteristic. the adverb-forming suffix "-ly" was then added, creating "inherently" to describe an action or state performed in this inseparable manner. thus, the word's journey from the physical idea of "sticking in" to the abstract concept of an essential, inbuilt quality is complete.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + here (stick) + ent (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- in: latin origin, meaning "in, within". a prefix indicating location or state.
- here: from latin haerēre, meaning "to stick, cling". the core root in the spelling of "inherent".
- ent: latin suffix -ent-, forming adjectives meaning "being in a state or condition".
- ly: old english suffix -līce, forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
the system is inherently flawed and cannot be easily fixed.
there is an inherently risky nature to investing in start-up companies.
she believed that humans are inherently good.