adjective

innate

/ɪˈneɪt/ · say it: ih·NAYT

inborn; existing from birth

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) present from birth; something you are born with rather than learn

2. (adjective) natural and not learned or developed

Examples

1. Babies have an innate ability to recognize their mother's voice.
2. Some people seem to have an innate talent for music without any training.

How to use innate

Innate describes qualities or characteristics present from birth or arising naturally from someone's essential nature, rather than developed through experience or learning. It is more formal and precise than the related word 'natural', and often appears in psychological, biological, or philosophical discussions. The term emphasizes the inherent or fundamental nature of something rather than its origin.

Common phrases

innate ability
innate talent
innate sense of
innate tendency
innate human nature

Synonyms

inborn · native · natural · inherent · congenital

Opposites

acquired · learned · developed

Word family

innately (adverb) · innateness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse innate with 'innate to' when the correct preposition is simply omitted; say 'an innate ability' rather than 'an innate to ability'.

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