What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
congenital
Example
The baby was born with a congenital heart defect. [congenital: adjective]
Example
The doctor explained that the patient's condition was congenital and could not be cured. [congenital: adjective]
Example
Her congenital talent for music was evident from a young age. [congenital: adjective]
innate
Example
Her innate curiosity led her to explore the world around her. [innate: adjective]
Example
The child had an innate talent for drawing. [innate: adjective]
Example
The bird's innate sense of direction allowed it to migrate thousands of miles each year. [innate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Innate is more commonly used than congenital in everyday language. Innate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while congenital is less common and refers specifically to medical conditions or disorders.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between congenital and innate?
Both congenital and innate are formal words, but congenital is more technical and specific to medical contexts, while innate can be used in a wider range of formal contexts.
