built-in

adjective

existing as an essential constituent or characteristic (Freq. 2)

-

the Ptolemaic system with its built-in concept of periodicity

-

a constitutional inability to tell the truth

• Syn: ↑constitutional, ↑inbuilt, ↑inherent, ↑integral

• Similar to: ↑intrinsic, ↑intrinsical

• Derivationally related forms: ↑inherence (for: ↑inherent), ↑inhere (for: ↑inherent)

* * *

adj

1

built-in wardrobes

fitted, integral, in-built, fixed, included

2

built-in safeguards

inherent, included, incorporated, implicit, in-built, inseparable, integral, intrinsic, essential, fundamental, necessary

* * *

▶ adjective

1 a built-in cupboard: FITTED, integral, integrated, incorporated.

2 built-in advantages: INHERENT, intrinsic, inbuilt; essential, implicit, basic, fundamental, deep-rooted.

* * *

I. \\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ adjective

1. : forming an integral part of a structure

a built-in range finder

especially of furnishings : constructed as or in a recess in a wall

I want built-in bookcases next to the fireplace

2. : present by reason of the nature or makeup of some other relevant matter : inherent, constitutional

the built-in safeguards that our constitution provides against tyranny

release of the atom's built-in energy — Stuart Chase

II. \\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun (-s)

Etymology: built-in (I)

: a piece of built-in furniture

* * *

/bilt"in'/, adj.

1. built so as to be an integral and permanent part of a larger construction: The wall has a built-in bookcase.

2. existing as a natural or characteristic part of something; inherent: a built-in contempt for daydreaming.

n.

3. a built-in piece of furniture or appliance.

4. an additional feature or capability, as of a machine or a service: a car with power steering, power brakes, and other built-ins.

[1895-1900]

* * *

builtˈ-in adjective

1. Formed as part of a main structure, esp if recessed

2. Present as part of one's genetic inheritance

3. Inherent

4. Included (as part of a deal, etc)

5. Very firmly fixed

• • •

Main Entry: ↑build

* * *

built-in UK US adjective

forming part of something, and not separate from it

Our new kitchen has built-in cupboards.

a word processor with a built-in spellchecker

Thesaurus: connected with or related to something_synonym

* * *

built-in «BIHLT IHN», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. included in or provided for as part of the plan or design of anything; not movable or removable: »

A built-in bookcase is fastened to the wall.

2. Figurative. having as a part of one's nature: »

a built-in sense of humor.

3. included as an integral part: »

The U.S. Constitution has built-in checks and balances.

–n.

any built-in household fixture: »

The kitchen features built-ins for every need—range, oven, refrigerator, freezer (Wall Street Journal).

* * *

adj. [attrib.] forming an integral part of a structure or device

a camera with a built-in zoom lens

■ (of a characteristic) inherent; innate

the system has a built-in resistance to change

* * *

/ˈbıltˈın/ adj, always used before a noun

1 : included as a part of something

His new watch has a built-in calculator.

a camera with a built-in flash

the car's built-in safety features

a built-in bookshelf [=a bookshelf that is built as part of a wall]

2 : forming a natural part of someone or something

All humans have a built-in ability to learn their native language.

Living in warmer climates has many built-in [=(more formally) intrinsic, inherent] advantages.

— see also build in/into at ↑build, 1

* * *

ˌbuilt-ˈin [built-in] (also less frequent ˌin-ˈbuilt) adjective only before noun

included as part of sth and not separate from it

•

built-in cupboards

•

a computer workstation with a built-in telephone, answering machine and fax

•

(figurative)

our built-in weaknesses

compare ↑inbuilt

See also: ↑in-built  

Example Bank:

•

built-in wardrobes/closets/cupboards/units