adjective

congenital

congenital, inborn

The child has a congenital heart defect.

The child has a congenital heart defect.

He is a congenital liar.

He is a congenital liar.

((a/an)) congenital ((noun)) a congenital (disease/condition/etc.) a congenital disease

Synonyms: inborn, innate, inherent; Antonyms: acquired

From Latin 'con-' (with, together) + 'genitus' (born). Literally 'born with'.

Focus on the 'gen' part, as in 'gene' or 'genesis' (birth). 'Con-' means 'with', so it means 'with the genes' or 'from birth'. Don't confuse with 'congenial'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.