innate
ih-NAYT
/ɪˈneɪt/
Inborn; existing in an individual from birth rather than acquired by learning.
Describes capacities, structures, or ideas present from origin.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'innatus', meaning inborn or present at birth. Rationalists used it to claim that foundational concepts like geometry are born inside us.
Word relationships
- inborn: Inborn focuses on biological inheritance, while innate can refer to abstract mental contents.
- acquired: Acquired traits are gained through environmental exposure and experience.
Commonly confused with
- inherent: Inherent describes an essential quality of an object, while innate describes an inborn trait of a mind.
Word family
- innately (adverb): In an innate or inborn manner.
- innateness (noun): The quality of being present from birth.
Collocations
- innate ability
- innate ideas
- innate talent
Example sentences
- "Chomsky posited that human beings possess an innate capacity for language acquisition." Linguistics
Memory hook
INnate means IN side you since you were NATE (born). Born within.
When not to use
Do not use for habits or skills built through training or practice.
Fun facts
- Descartes claimed the idea of God was an innate seal impressed upon the human soul by the creator.
Related words
Explore more words
congenital, hereditary, conditioned, heredity, charisma, intuitive
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