innate

adj.

1. denoting a capability or characteristic existing in an organism from birth, belonging to the original or essential constitution of the body or mind. Innate processes should be distinguished from those that develop later in infancy and childhood under maturational control.

2. in philosophy, denoting an idea that is knowable by reason alone and that does not need to be established or confirmed by experience. Also called inborn; native.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 11th 2025

performance review

a formal appraisal of an employee’s job performance, typically conducted by his or her supervisor at least once a year. The review may be in the form of a quantitative rating or a more subjective appraisal and usually involves feedback to the employee. Also called performance appraisal; performance assessment; performance evaluation. See also employee evaluation; evaluation interview; job criterion.