innately
/ɪˈneɪtli/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈneɪtli/ (ame, ipa)
innately — adverb
1. describes a quality, tendency, or ability that exists as part of a person's or a
describes a quality, tendency, or ability that exists as part of a person's or animal's natural character from birth, rather than one that is gained through teaching or experience.
Even as a baby, Deepa was innately curious, always reaching for new toys and faces.
innately + curious (adjective describing natural character)
Mei-Lin is innately kind and will help anyone she meets without being asked.
innately + kind (adjective)
The laboratory study showed that young mice are innately afraid of open spaces.
Binta has an innately gentle way of speaking that puts strangers at ease.
Wei believes people are innately good, but Chen argues that kindness must be taught.
- naturally
broader and more common; can describe learned habits that feel effortless
- inherently
more formal; emphasises that the quality is an inseparable part of something
- instinctively
focuses on automatic, unthinking behaviour rather than stable traits
- learnedly
describes something gained through study; very rare in everyday use
文法句型
innately + adjective
innately + past-participle adjective
用法筆記
Typically used before an adjective that describes a personality trait or behavioural tendency. Common pairings include innately curious, innately kind, innately suspicious, innately aggressive, and innately peaceful.