innate

adjective

in·​nate i-ˈnāt How to pronounce innate (audio)
ˈi-ˌnāt
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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Such drama may seem like a far cry from Martin-Löf’s work—the Swedish architect is best known for his minimalist houses wrought in noble materials and luxe custom yachts—but his skills lie in an innate ability to gracefully layer styles and eras. Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 Governed by the moon, this Water sign is often admired for its innate sensitivity and intuition, but much like Elle Woods, Cancers are unstoppable and tenacious despite their soft exterior, making this an ideal costume choice. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 With the influx of information, experts say parents forget their innate abilities. Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024 Women’s innate qualities of safety, security, and protection uniquely position them to drive innovative solutions and advocate for stronger online protections. Shelley Zalis, Forbes, 23 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

Cite this Entry

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

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

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