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

Derived Forms

• inˈnateness, noun
• inˈnately, adverb

Other Words From

• in·nate·ly adverb
• in·nate·ness noun
• un·in·nate adjective
• un·in·nate·ness 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

Though Bianca’s doggedness mirrors the Jackal’s — they also share certain work-life problems — Lynch’s innate soulfulness softens her character.

From Los Angeles Times

In a letter Friday to the USC community, Johnson praised her leadership skills and “innate ability to connect with community members on a personal level.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a step up from his feature writing-directing debut, 2022’s “When You Finish Saving the World,” Eisenberg furthers himself here as a distinctive voice, one with a keen visual sense, a masterful ability to juggle tones and an innate feel for timing and pacing.

From Los Angeles Times

What I want people to take away from this movie is just knowing that they have a power within, innate, as a woman, and that they can access it if they just continue to stick by themselves in opposition.

From Salon

I think Harris has an innate understanding of its importance, just being a woman and a woman of colour.

From BBC

Related Words

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