innate

[ih-neyt, in-eyt]

adjective

1. existing in one from birth; inborn; native.

   innate musical talent.

   Synonyms: congenital, natural

2. inherent in the essential character of something.

   an innate defect in the hypothesis.

3. originating in or arising from the intellect or the constitution of the mind, rather than learned through experience.

   an innate knowledge of good and evil.

innate

/ ɪˈneɪt, ˈɪneɪt /

adjective

1. existing in a person or animal from birth; congenital; inborn

2. being an essential part of the character of a person or thing

3. instinctive; not learned

   innate capacities

4. botany (of anthers) joined to the filament by the base only

5. (in rationalist philosophy) (of ideas) present in the mind before any experience and knowable by pure reason

Other Word Forms

• innateness noun
• innately adverb
• uninnate adjective
• uninnateness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of innate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin innātus “inborn,” past participle of innāscī “to be born, arise,” equivalent to in- in- ² + nāscī “to be born”; nascent, nativity

Word History and Origins

Origin of innate¹

C15: from Latin, from innascī to be born in, from nascī to be born

Synonym Study

Innate, inborn, congenital, hereditary describe qualities, characteristics, or possessions acquired before or at the time of birth. Innate, of Latin origin, and inborn, a native English word, share the literal basic sense “existing at the time of birth,” and they are interchangeable in most contexts: innate (or inborn ) stodginess, agility, gracefulness. Congenital refers most often to characteristics acquired during fetal development, especially defects or undesirable conditions: a congenital deformity; congenital blindness. Hereditary describes qualities or things passed on from ancestors, either through the genes or by social or legal means: Hemophilia is a hereditary condition; a hereditary title.

Example Sentences

But, as he reminds himself in the handsomely performed hearbreak song “Somebody Will,” he knows his worth and that his innate goodness will carry him through.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Sudan has refined her innate originality in her forthcoming album “The BPM,” which was recorded mostly in Detroit and sounds as carefree and earnest as the new way of life she’s cultivating.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s almost like cutting fabric is innate to you.

From Los Angeles Times

Every argument between Brie’s plucky elementary school teacher, Millie, and Franco’s wannabe indie rocker, Tim, is tinged with an innate gravity that wouldn’t be present if it weren’t for the stars’ real-life relationship.

From Salon

On a fundamental level, racism — and the race concept itself — are based on a system of absurdities, lies and fantasies of innate human difference based upon skin color.

From Salon

Related Words

• deep-seated 
• elemental 
• inborn 
• ingrained 
• inherent 
• instinctive 
• intrinsic 
• intuitive