- Main Entry:
- in·nate
- Pronunciation:
-
\i-ˈnāt, ˈi-ˌ\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English innat, from Latin innatus, past participle of innasci to be born in, from in- + nasci to be born — more at nation
- Date:
- 15th century
1
: existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : native, inborn <innate behavior>
2
: belonging to the essential nature of something : inherent
3
: originating in or derived from the mind or the constitution of the intellect rather than from experience
— in·nate·ly adverb
— in·nate·ness noun
synonyms innate,
inborn,
inbred,
congenital,
hereditary mean not acquired after birth.
innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature
<an innate sense of fair play>.
inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so
<her inborn love of nature>.
inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way
<inbred political loyalties>.
congenital and
hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors
<a congenital heart murmur> <eye color is hereditary>.
