Learn English – subtle difference between “inherent” and “intrinsic”

meaningsynonymsword-choice

I've always used "inherent" and "intrinsic" interchangeably. Dictionary.com doesn't offer much help in distinguishing them.

Best Answer

I do not know about English usage, but coming from Latin there are some differences:

  • inherent: to hang on something, adhere to s., stick to s., (lat. inhaerens)
  • intrinsic: to come from the inside, immanent (lat: intrinsecus, "within")