[in.nate] adj [ME innat, fr. L innatus, pp. of innasci to be born in, fr. in- + nasci to be born--more at nation] (15c) 1: existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth: native, inborn "~ 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 -- in.nate.ly adv -- in.nate.ness n syn 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 applying to things acquired during fetal development and the latter applying to things transmitted from one's ancestors "a congenital heart condition" "eye color is hereditary".