What is the antonym of “congenital”?
The antonyms of congenital are acquired and learned. The antonyms acquired and learned describe conditions or traits that are not present at birth but develop later in life.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Developed or caused by external factors, rather than being innate or inherited.
Example
He suffered from an acquired hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise at work.
Acquired through study, experience, or being taught; not innate.
Example
Playing a musical instrument is a learned skill that requires practice and dedication.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Acquired refers to a condition or trait that is caused by external factors, while congenital refers to a condition or trait that is present at birth.
- 2Learned refers to a skill or knowledge that is acquired through study or experience, while congenital refers to a condition or trait that is innate or inherited.
Good things to know
- 1Medical Context: Use congenital and acquired to differentiate between conditions that are present at birth and those that develop later in life.
- 2Educational Context: Use congenital and learned to distinguish between innate abilities and skills that are acquired through learning.
- 3Scientific Context: Use these antonyms to describe the origin of traits or characteristics in organisms.