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inborn

adjective/ɪnˈbɔrn/

definition

existing naturally from birth rather than being acquired or learned

example

Her inborn talent for music was evident even as a child, captivating everyone who heard her play.

synonyms
innate,natural,hereditary
word origin — from Middle English 'inborn', composed of 'in' + 'born' (past participle of 'bear').

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 11

Set 11 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: inborn, whimsical, vulnerable, gifted, moderate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. inborn · adjective/ɪnˈbɔrn/

    existing naturally from birth rather than being acquired or learned

    Her inborn talent for music was evident even as a child, captivating everyone who heard her play.

    Synonyms: innate,natural,hereditary

    Origin: from Middle English 'inborn', composed of 'in' + 'born' (past participle of 'bear').

  2. whimsical · adjective/ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/

    playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way

    The artist's whimsical paintings captured the joy and curiosity of childhood, making everyone smile.

    Synonyms: fanciful, playful, quirky

    Origin: The word 'whimsical' originated in the early 19th century from 'whimsy,' which is derived from the word 'whim' meaning a sudden desire or change of mind, and has roots in the Middle English word 'whimsy' from the 17th century.

  3. vulnerable · adjective/ˈvʌlnərəbəl/

    capable of being physically or emotionally harmed

    After the storm, many families found themselves in a vulnerable position, relying on aid to recover from the devastation.

    Synonyms: exposed, unprotected, defenseless

    Origin: from Latin 'vulnerabilis', from 'vulnerare' meaning 'to wound'

  4. gifted · adjective/ˈɡɪftɪd/

    having exceptional talent or natural ability

    She is a gifted musician, able to play multiple instruments with extraordinary skill.

    Synonyms: talented, skilled, prodigious

    Origin: The word 'gifted' is derived from the noun 'gift,' which comes from the Old Norse word 'gift,' meaning 'something given.' The use of 'gifted' as an adjective to describe someone with exceptional talent emerged in the early 19th century.

  5. moderate · adjective/ˈmɒdərɪt/

    average in amount, intensity, or degree

    The weather has been quite moderate this week, with neither extreme heat nor cold.

    Synonyms: average, fair, medium

    Origin: from Latin 'moderatus', past participle of 'moderare', meaning to limit or restrain