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inné

innate, inborn

adjective ee-NEH Rare

Origin: Latin innatus, from innasci 'to be born in'

Usage Note

Inné describes a quality present from birth rather than acquired through experience, the opposite of acquis ('acquired'). The philosophical debate inné vs acquis is the French equivalent of 'nature vs nurture', and the phrase appears frequently in psychology and education discussions. The feminine form is innée.

Examples

"Elle a un talent inné pour la musique."

Natural Translation

She has an innate talent for music.

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