Congenital

Adjective

Definition: (of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth.

Synonyms: Innate, Inborn, Hereditary

Antonyms: Acquired, Acquired later in life

Examples:

The child was born with a congenital heart defect.
Congenital deafness runs in their family.

Mnemonics:

Think of "congenital" as "con" (meaning "with" or "together") + "genital" (related to birth or origin).

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "congenital" comes from the Latin word "congenitus," which means "born with" or "formed or produced together."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 18th century to describe conditions or characteristics present from birth.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None

Explanation:

While congenital conditions are present from birth, hereditary conditions may be passed down through generations but may not necessarily be present at birth.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "congenital" interchangeably with "hereditary."

Explanation:

While congenital conditions are present from birth, hereditary conditions may be passed down through generations but may not necessarily be present at birth.