Congenital
/kənˈdʒɛnɪtl/
Definitions
Present from birth; existing at the time of birth.
/kənˈdʒɛnɪtl/
Existing at or from birth
The doctor examined the newborn for any congenital abnormalities.
💡 Simply: Imagine a baby is born with something already, like a little birthmark or a special talent. 'Congenital' means it's something they had when they came into the world. For example, imagine if a baby was born with the ability to speak multiple languages - that would be a congenital talent!
👶 For kids: Something that you're born with.
More Examples
Down syndrome is a congenital condition caused by an extra chromosome.
The artist's congenital ability to see colors others couldn't helped develop their unique paintings.
How It's Used
"The baby was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect."
From Late Latin congenitus ('born together'), from com- ('with') + genitus, past participle of gignere ('to beget, produce').
The word has been used in medical and legal contexts since the 17th century to describe conditions present from birth, distinguishing them from those acquired later.
Memory tip
Think of 'gen' for generation or birth – something present from the very start.