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 Word Forms

• 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

It’s that passion, alongside an innate curiosity about the power of acting, that propels Poulter.

From Los Angeles Times

As a state prosecutor, Yoon cemented his reputation as an explosive character who was almost obsessively guided by an innate sense of right and wrong.

From BBC

“That sense of freedom and play is kind of our birthright. It’s innate to us,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But when Lucas Digne presented the opportunity 13 minutes into the second half at Deepdale, Rashford's innate ability did the rest as he calmly picked his spot before finding the bottom corner.

From BBC

‘He always had an innate intelligence about reading people and guessing right,’ he said.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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