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

“His performances were characterised by an impeccable technique, dramatic intensity, and an innate musicality that made him a true artist of the stage,”the Mariinsky said Monday.

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

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

From BBC

“He was just a boy, but there was that innate ability. He put down 17 batters in a row. And we became friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I attach defence to team spirit and culture. Bevan French has his moments with the ball, it's amazing how he has that innate talent," Peet said.

From BBC

Related Words

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