English vocabulary · C1
Congenital
/kənˈdʒɛnɪtəl/ · adj.
Congenital describes a trait that is present from the moment someone is born. It never developed later, it has always been there.
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Example sentences
- Her congenital heart defect needed care.
- His congenital shyness surprised everyone.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — with (from Latin)
- genit — born (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- INBORN — there from birth (Present From the Very Start)
- INHERITED — passed down from parents (Passed Down From Family)
- NATURAL — existing without change (Part of the Original Body)
Words with the same root
genit — born
- generate — to bring something into being
- genuine — real and true, not fake
- progeny — children or offspring
Lesson notes
Congenital describes a trait that is present from the moment someone is born. It never developed later, it has always been there.
Related: inborn, inherited, natural. Use congenital when a trait has been there since birth.
Her congenital heart defect needed care. His congenital shyness surprised everyone.
From Latin. Con- means with. Genit- means born. Born together with a trait from the very start, that is congenital.