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 The Telegram channels that had circulated McGregor’s declaration of war the night before the stabbing claimed asylum seekers posed an innate, existential threat to Ireland’s citizens. Caolán Magee, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 The singer provides a unique vantage point, combining his innate artistic eye with his taste for precision and personal fascination with the art of watchmaking. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 The answer, Schoenberger said, lies in the differences between the innate and adaptive portions of the immune system. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 For example, a domain name that features your unique value proposition, motto, mantra or brand all have innate value. Michael Gargiulo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 But Lula should also initiate dialogue with Republican counterparts now in the event the GOP wins in 2024, capitalizing on his innate capacity for engaging ideological adversaries. Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2024 The aforementioned proximity ignites an innate rivalry, something spawned culturally and not contrived like most things in modern cricket. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The Gilded Age has allowed the skilled actress and singer to become sharper at her innate capabilities. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 26 Feb. 2024 There’s an innate emotional power in this dichotomy. Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'innate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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