acquired

The word “acquired” means developed during a person's life rather than present from birth. In plain terms, gained later in life, not inborn — often contrasted with "congenital" or "inherited.".

“Acquired” is pronounced uh-KWEYE-uhd (/əˈkwaɪɹd/ in IPA).

Here is “acquired” used in a sentence: “It was an acquired trait, not something she was born with.”

“Acquired” is an adjective.

“Acquired” is a fairly common word in modern English.

An acquired trait or condition develops during a person's life, through experience, environment, or events — for example, an acquired skill or an acquired illness. An inherited one is passed down through genes and is present from birth. In short, 'acquired' means gained later, while 'inherited' means born with.

Examples include an acquired taste, such as learning to enjoy strong coffee; an acquired skill, like playing the piano; or an acquired condition that appears after birth rather than being genetic. All share the idea that the trait was developed or gained during life, not present from the start.

The main opposites are 'innate', 'inherited', and 'congenital', all of which mean present from birth rather than developed later. In everyday use you might also say 'natural' or 'inborn'. Where 'acquired' points to something gained through life, its opposites point to something you were simply born with.