Definition

This word describes something that is not a natural part of something else, but comes from an outside source or is added on.

Example

The adscititious elements in the design added a unique flair to the overall aesthetic.

Conversation

Did you know that some skills are considered adscititious rather than innate?

Really? I thought most talents were just natural abilities people are born with.

That's a common belief, but many skills can actually be learned over time and are adscititious.

That makes sense! It’s nice to know we can always improve ourselves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adscititious is formed from "ad-" (meaning to or toward) and "scititius" (from "scire", meaning to know). The word describes something that is added or supplementary, indicating that it is not inherent but rather something that has been added to what is already known or existing.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'added to' ('ad-') what is already 'known' ('scire') — that's why adscititious means something that is supplementary or additional.

Visually Confused Words