What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
innate
Example
Her innate sense of humor made her popular among her peers. [innate: adjective]
Example
The baby had an innate ability to swim, even without any prior training. [innate: adjective]
natural
Example
The park was beautiful with its natural scenery of trees and flowers. [natural: adjective]
Example
It's natural to feel nervous before a big exam. [natural: adjective]
Example
She has a natural talent for playing the piano. [natural: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Natural is more commonly used than innate in everyday language. Natural is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while innate is less common and has a more technical or scientific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between innate and natural?
Both innate and natural can be used in formal and informal contexts, but innate may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while natural is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
