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

• innately adverb
• innateness noun
• 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

Bronstein wanted to use Byrne’s innate ability to find comic moments in unlikely places in order to capture the mordantly humorous beats in the script.

From Los Angeles Times

Others thought she was wrong to publicize the violence, fearing that irresponsible scientists would use the information to “prove” that the tendency to war is innate in humans, a legacy from their ape ancestors.

From Los Angeles Times

His poetry carries an innate rhythm, but more than that, it carries emotional and sonic weight which I responded to as a kind of pulse, even in silence.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s going to be a rebuilding process, but we’re tapping into the innate spirit of residents here, and the world can model it.

From Los Angeles Times

A skilful, clever runner with an innate understanding of space and deft hands, she can apply herself to any position across the backline.

From BBC

Related Words

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