adj. & n.
--adj.
1. related to or descended from a common ancestor (cf. AGNATE).
2 Philol. (of a word) having the same linguistic family or derivation (as another); representing the same original word or root (e.g. English father, German Vater, Latin pater).
--n.
1. a relative.
2 a cognate word.
Phrases and idioms:
cognate object Gram. an object that is related in origin and sense to the verb governing it (as in live a good life).
Derivatives:
cognately adv. cognateness n.
Etymology: L cognatus (as CO-, natus born)