inborn

adjective

in·born | \ ˈin-ˈbȯrn

Definition of inborn

1 : present from or as if from birth

2 : hereditary, inherited

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inborn

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Choose the Right Synonym for inborn

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 inborn in a Sentence

She has an inborn talent for music. That kind of knowledge is acquired, not inborn.

Recent Examples on the Web

But so are inborn ability, partnership rapport, desire and — maybe most of all — concentration. — Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, "Bridge: Aug. 3, 2019," 3 Aug. 2019 The torments of politics are the fault of family life, with all its resentments and inborn (or inbred) rivalries, projected onto a political scale. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, "Sam Shepard Saw It All Coming," 11 July 2019 Some individuals may have an inborn resistance to a chemical while others do not. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "One big reason you can’t get rid of cockroaches," 3 July 2019 Any portrayal of gay men as a lab-pure reduction of maleness—whether inborn or socially constructed—is too simple. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Cruising in the Age of Consent," 19 June 2019 Of course, like any form of humor, carnival has weaknesses—particularly, an inborn tendency toward the nihilism of lulz. — Julian Lucas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 10 May 2019 Monkeys, on the other hand, are stuck with an inborn set of hoots and screams. — Quanta Magazine, "The Beasts That Keep the Beat," 22 Mar. 2016 The entire industry of baby-prooﬁng grows out of their inborn need to touch, see, taste, and experience the world around them. — Samantha Boardman, Marie Claire, "How to Keep Curiosity Alive," 30 May 2019 That willingness to interact peacefully with others, even strangers, is inborn. — Richard Wrangham, WSJ, "Humans: The Domesticated Primates," 10 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inborn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for inborn

inborn

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of inborn

: existing from the time someone is born : natural or instinctive

See the full definition for inborn in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inborn

adjective

in·born | \ ˈin-ˈbȯrn

Kids Definition of inborn

: existing from the time someone is born : natural or instinctive She has an inborn talent for music.

inborn

adjective

in·born | \ ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn

Medical Definition of inborn

: hereditary, inherited inborn errors of metabolism

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inborn

Definition of inborn

Synonyms & Antonyms for inborn

Choose the Right Synonym for inborn

Examples of inborn in a Sentence

First Known Use of inborn

English Language Learners Definition of inborn

Kids Definition of inborn

Medical Definition of inborn

inborn

Definition of inborn

Synonyms & Antonyms for inborn

Choose the Right Synonym for inborn

Examples of inborn in a Sentence

First Known Use of inborn

English Language Learners Definition of inborn

Kids Definition of inborn

Medical Definition of inborn

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