innate
Possessed from birth; natural rather than learned
Examples
In a meeting
“She has an innate ability to understand customer needs.”
Over coffee
“Some people seem to have an innate sense of direction.”
Why this word
natural
natural can mean normal or from nature, while innate specifically means inborn or possessed from birth
inherent
inherent means existing as an essential characteristic, while innate specifically means present from birth rather than acquired
inborn
inborn and innate are very close, but innate is more formal and often used for abstract qualities like abilities
Usage tip
Use to describe qualities that are inborn or fundamental to someone's nature, not acquired through experience.
Etymology
Latin: innatus from in- (in) + natus (born) — 'inborn'
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Related words
intrinsic
Belonging naturally as an essential part
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.