inborn
UK[ˌɪnˈbɔːn]US[ˌɪnˈbɔːrn]
adj
existing in a person or animal from birth; natural and not learned
Morpheme Breakdown
in
born
in
in
born
born
Etymology
the word 'inborn' is a native english compound, formed from the old english elements 'in' and 'born'. the prefix 'in-' carries its core sense of "within, inside," while 'born' derives from the old english verb 'beran,' meaning to carry or bear offspring. literally, the term meant "borne in," or "carried within from birth." over time, this literal sense evolved into the modern abstract meaning, describing innate qualities or abilities that are present from the very beginning of life, not acquired from external experience.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + born (born)
in (old english, prepositional prefix meaning "in, into, within"); born (old english, past participle of 'beran' meaning "to bear, to carry")
Examples
her inborn talent for music was evident by the age of three.
birds have an inborn ability to navigate by the stars.
he possessed an inborn confidence that served him well in leadership.