congenital
UK/kәn'dʒenitәl/US
TOEFLGREC1
Definitions
adj.
(of a disease or condition) present from birth
先天的，先天性的
adj.
(of a quality, especially a bad one) deep-seated, as if part of one's nature from birth
（尤指缺点）天生的，根深蒂固的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together, with) + gen (born) + -ital = 'born together with' — present at the moment of birth. A congenital heart defect is one you were born with. Figuratively, a congenital liar is one whose lying seems present from birth, part of their nature.
Root gen still carries 140 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.congenital defect先天性缺陷
- 2.congenital disease先天性疾病
- 3.congenital condition先天性病症
- 4.congenital heart先天性心脏
Example Sentences
- 1.
The baby was born with a congenital heart defect.
- 2.
He has a congenital inability to admit mistakes.