adjective
inborn
in-BORN/ˌɪnˈbɔːrn/
Present from birth rather than learned.
The girl's inborn birthmark remains visible from infancy into childhood.
Etymology
The combination of “within” and “brought forth” first described someone native to a place. Applied to personal qualities, it came to mean native to the person—present from birth.
In context
real politeness is inborn and may exist in the Savage
More examples
- Her inborn curiosity keeps her asking questions.
- Training helps him develop his inborn talent for music.
- The doctor tests for inborn errors of metabolism.
Forms
inborn
Similar words
- innate
- Often interchangeable, but also describes qualities inherent in things.
- congenital
- Usually describes medical conditions that exist at birth.