adj
innate
ih-NAYT
adj
1
Present from birth; natural rather than learned.
"She has an innate talent for music."
"Curiosity seems to be innate in young children."
How to Use Innate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBuilt into you from birth, rather than something you picked up through experience.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with inherent, which describes a quality that's a permanent part of something's nature but doesn't necessarily involve being "born" with it (an inherent flaw in a plan, for instance).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
innate ability
innate talent
innate sense
Word Forms
innated past tense, innates singular
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She has an _____ talent for music.
Etymology
From Latin innatus, "inborn," from in- ("in") plus nasci ("to be born") — related to native and natal.