INNATE


Meaning of INNATE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ i-ˈnāt, ˈi-ˌ ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English innat, from Latin innatus, past participle of innasci to be born in, from in- + nasci to be born — more at nation

Date: 15th century

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

• in·nate·ly adverb

• in·nate·ness noun

Synonyms:

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.