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Definition of congenital

congenital

/kənˈdʒɛnɪtəl/
con · gen · i · tal
Adverb:congenitally
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congenital Lexical Profile

congenital Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

(especially of a disease or physical abnormality) Present from birth, whether inherited or caused by prenatal developmental factors.

Example

"Advancements in pediatric cardiology have greatly improved the prognosis for infants born with congenital heart defects."

2

(of a person) Having a particular trait, habit, or disposition so deeply ingrained that it seems part of their nature.

Example

"Everyone in the office knew him as a congenital optimist who saw a silver lining in every setback."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for congenital
Antonyms
View all antonyms for congenital

Word Nuance & Usage

In medical usage, 'congenital' is distinct from 'genetic' or 'hereditary': a congenital condition is simply present at birth and may result from prenatal environmental factors rather than inherited genes.

• Rhymes for congenital

• Nearby Words

congenial
congeniality
congenially
congenital
congenitally
conger
conger eel

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from Latin congenitus ('born together with'), formed from com- ('together') and genitus, the past participle of gignere ('to beget' or 'to bear').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Congenital. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/congenital
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