innate

adjective

in·​nate i-ˈnāt How to pronounce innate (audio)
ˈi-ˌnāt
Synonyms of innatenext
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
innately adverb
innateness noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for innate

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

Examples of innate in a Sentence

… the delays innate in both serial and book publication … —Walter Rundell, American Association of University Professors Bulletin, September 1971
… the materials for conflict are innate to social life. —Richard Sennett, Psychology Today, November 1970
The faculty for myth is innate in the human race. —W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919
She has an innate sense of rhythm. the innate problems of wireless communication
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a recovering addict who has been sober for almost 11 years himself, Furnish noted that John’s upbringing in an abusive household, paired with his innate sensitivity and longing to find his place in the world, laid the foundation for his struggles with addiction. —Max Gao, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024 This innate desire for connection, however, combined with people’s reliance on technology, can lead to feelings of FOMO– fear of missing out – and anxiety during a digital detox. —Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024 The fast-paced, highly stimulating environment of crypto appealed to my innate desire for problem-solving and growth. —Benedetto Biondi, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Scott felt an innate connection to the tradition through his own roots. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for innate 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English innat, from Latin innatus, past participle of innasci to be born in, from in- + nasci to be born — more at nation

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of innate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near innate

innards

innate

innated

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Cite this Entry

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

innate

adjective
in·​nate in-ˈāt How to pronounce innate (audio)
ˈin-ˌāt
1
: existing in or belonging to an individual from birth
an innate ability
2
: inherent
innate defects in the plan
innately adverb
innateness noun
Etymology

Middle English innat "belonging from birth," from Latin innatus, past participle of innasci "to be born in, be a native," from in- "in" and nasci "to be born" — related to native, nature

Medical Definition

innate

adjective
in·​nate in-ˈāt, ˈin-ˌ How to pronounce innate (audio)
: existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : native, inborn
innate behavior
innately adverb
innateness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on innate

Nglish: Translation of innate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of innate for Arabic Speakers

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