congenital
kun-JEN-ih-tul
/kənˈdʒenɪtl/
Present from birth, especially referring to a disease or physical abnormality.
Refers strictly to conditions present at birth, whether inherited genetically or acquired during fetal development.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'congenitus' (born together with), combining 'com-' (together) and 'genitus' (begotten/born). It was popularized in 18th-century medical Latin to categorize conditions established before delivery.
Word relationships
- inborn: Inborn highlights natural or inherent qualities present from birth, whereas congenital is primarily medical.
- innate: Innate usually describes essential traits, behaviors, or qualities rather than structural physical or clinical defects.
- acquired: Acquired diseases or traits develop after birth during life.
Commonly confused with
- hereditary: Hereditary means transmitted through parent genes; congenital means present at birth (which may be genetic or fetal development issues).
Word family
- congenitally (adverb): In a manner present from birth
Collocations
- congenital defect
- congenital heart disease
- congenital abnormality
- congenital disorder
Idioms & expressions
- congenital liar (figurative exaggeration for compulsive lying)
Example sentences
- "Echocardiograms performed shortly after birth can detect congenital heart defects requiring immediate surgery." Pediatric medicine manual
- "Maternal nutrition during early pregnancy plays a crucial role in preventing congenital neural tube defects." Medical history paper
Memory hook
CON-GENITAL = CON (with) + GENITAL (birth); born WITH the condition. Present from birth
When not to use
Do not assume congenital always means genetic or inherited; non-genetic infections during pregnancy (like rubella) cause congenital conditions.
Fun facts
- Folic acid supplementation in flour has dramatically reduced congenital spina bifida worldwide.
- Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth anomaly, affecting nearly 1 in 100 newborns.
Related words
Explore more words
innate, heredity, constitutional, idiopathic, conditioned, genetic
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