ENGLISH
REFERENCE

congenital

adj.
C1 Advanced US //kənˈdʒɛnətəɫ// UK //kəndʒˈɛnɪtəl// con·gen·i·tal

adj. describing a condition or trait that you have from the moment you are born. It often refers to medical issues, but it can also describe a deep part of someone's character.

adj. present from birth, especially regarding a medical condition or a deep-seated character trait. Often used to describe physical defects or chronic habits that seem inherent to an individual.


SIMPLE

The doctors treated his congenital heart condition.

CONTEXTUAL

The baby was born with a congenital defect that required immediate surgery to ensure proper development.

COMPLEX

While some scholars argue his dishonesty was a learned survival mechanism, others viewed him as a congenital liar who could not help but distort the truth even in trivial matters.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin congenitus + -al.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently collocates with 'defect', 'disorder', or 'liar'.

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