Definition of innate

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in·nate    (-nt, nt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Possessed at birth; inborn.
2. Possessed as an essential characteristic; inherent.
3. Of or produced by the mind rather than learned through experience: an innate knowledge of right and wrong.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English innat, from Latin inntus, past participle of innsc, to be born in : in-, in ; see in-² + nsc, to be born; see gen- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
in·nately(Adverb), in·nateness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
innate, inborn, inbred, congenital, hereditary

These adjectives mean existing in a person or thing from birth or origin. Something that is innate seems essential to the nature, character, or constitution: innate common sense. Inborn strongly implies that something has been present since birth: inborn intelligence. What is inbred has often been ingrained through earliest training or associations: an inbred love of music. Congenital is applied principally to characteristics, especially defects, acquired during fetal development: a congenital disease. It is also used figuratively of characteristics or people with characteristics that are so deep-seated as to appear natural: a congenital pessimism; a congenital liar. Hereditary refers to what is transmitted by biological heredity (a hereditary heart anomaly) or by tradition: "that ignorance and superstitiousness hereditary to all sailors" (Herman Melville).