Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Innate; inborn; existing from birth: Refers to a quality, characteristic, or ability that is natural and present from the time a person or thing comes into existence.
   • Of the same or a similar nature; kindred: Refers to things that share a fundamental nature, essence, or origin.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Many philosophers have debated whether a sense of morality is connatural to humans.
  • The author argues that curiosity is a connatural trait in all children.
  • There is a connatural bond between the twins that is evident to everyone.
  • The fear of loud noises seems connatural in many animals.

Advanced Usage

• "connatural with": Used to indicate a shared, inherent nature between two entities.
  • His artistic talent is connatural with his deep sensitivity to beauty.
• "connatural to": Used to indicate that a quality is innate within a specific being or thing.
  • The instinct to protect one's young is connatural to most species.

Variants and Related Words

• Connaturality (n): The state or quality of being connatural.
  • The connaturality of these principles makes them difficult to separate.
• Connaturally (adv): In a connatural manner; by nature.
  • He is connaturally inclined towards peaceful solutions.

Synonyms

• Innate: Inborn; natural.
• Inherent: Existing as a permanent, essential characteristic.
• Intrinsic: Belonging naturally; essential.
• Congenital: Present from birth (often used for conditions).
• Kindred: Of similar nature or character.

Antonyms

• Acquired: Gained through effort or experience.
• Extrinsic: Not part of the essential nature; coming from outside.
• Adventitious: Added from an external source; not inherent.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Connatural" is a formal, literary, and somewhat rare word, most often found in philosophical, theological, or poetic contexts.
• Prepositions: It is commonly followed by the prepositions "to" (for the possessor of the quality) or "with" (for a shared quality between things).
• The word emphasizes a deep, essential, and often shared natural quality rather than one that is learned or superficial.

Adjective

1. normally existing at birth
   • mankind's connatural sense of the good
2. similar in nature
   • and mix with our connatural dust- John Milton