innate

adjective

in·nate | \ i-ˈnāt

, ˈi-ˌnāt\

Definition of innate

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

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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 second claim is that language is innate, not merely an extension of general human intelligence. — The Economist, "A new book spells out the magic of language," 22 Aug. 2019 The images create a strong desire to pull back the curtain and satisfy an innate curiosity about what lies beneath. — oregonlive.com, "Multimedia art exhibit ‘Autopoets’ tackles themes of protest, privacy," 13 Aug. 2019 In the face of such evil, there is an innate call to action. — Kayla Bartsch, National Review, "In a Community Turned Upside Down by Tragedy, ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Are Everything," 13 Aug. 2019 Bates can hit pull-up threes from NBA range off a half-stop, spins into jumpers and floaters with an innate sense of balance, and uses angles to finish creatively around the rim. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "High School Basketball Phenom Emoni Bates Already Has the NBA Buzzing," 12 Aug. 2019 There remains a need, within the movement, to uphold the right to cognitive liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the innate yearning for spiritual connection—all alongside the need for better medicine. — Madison Margolin, Quartz, "The next battle in the War on Drugs will be fought over psychedelics," 4 June 2019 Social psychologists are still debating whether gender stereotypes that paint women as more nurturing and men as more assertive are innate or learned. — Los Angeles Times, "It’s official: Majority of Americans think women are just as competent as men, if not more so," 19 July 2019 After all, there’s a reason Queen Elizabeth’s reign makes for such a compelling (and critically acclaimed) television show—because of its consistent, and innate, drama. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Before Thomas Markle Spoke Out: A Look Back at the Biggest Royal Scandals in Recent History," 14 Aug. 2018 To me, welcoming people in is so innate, and part of the fabric of this culture. — Luke Winkie, Vox, "How to politely smoke weed," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'innate.' 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 innate

innate

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of innate

: existing from the time a person or animal is born

: existing as part of the basic nature of something

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

innate

adjective

in·nate | \ in-ˈāt, ˈin-ˌ

Medical Definition of innate

: existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : native, inborn innate behavior

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innate

Definition of innate

Other Words from innate

Synonyms & Antonyms for innate

Choose the Right Synonym for innate

Examples of innate in a Sentence

First Known Use of innate

History and Etymology for innate

English Language Learners Definition of innate

Medical Definition of innate

innate

Definition of innate

Other Words from innate

Synonyms & Antonyms for innate

Choose the Right Synonym for innate

Examples of innate in a Sentence

First Known Use of innate

History and Etymology for innate

English Language Learners Definition of innate

Medical Definition of innate

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