born
adjective
UK/bɔːn/US/bɔːrn/
Inherent from birth; having been brought into existence through birth.
Example Sentences
She is a born leader, effortlessly guiding her team to success in every project.
His ability to connect with people comes naturally; he's truly a born communicator.
The artist's innate talent was evident from a young age, showcasing a born skill for painting.
As a born musician, she could effortlessly create harmonious melodies that captivated her audience.
He seemed like a born athlete, excelling in every sport he tried without much training.
The child displayed a born curiosity, constantly asking questions and exploring the world around him.
They believe that creativity is a born trait, essential for innovation and artistic expression.
From an early age, she demonstrated a born knack for languages, quickly mastering multiple tongues.
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verb (intransitive)
UK/bɔːn/US/bɔːrn/
The past participle of 'bear', meaning to give birth to.
Example Sentences
She has born three children, each of whom brings immense joy to the family.
The queen was born during a time of great turmoil, yet she grew to become a beloved monarch.
In the early hours of the morning, she has born the new generation into the world with strength and grace.
Throughout her life, she has born numerous challenges, yet she remains resilient and determined.
The organization has born many successful projects, contributing significantly to the community's development.
He has born the responsibility of caring for his aging parents with unwavering dedication.
Despite the hardships, she has born the weight of her responsibilities, ensuring her family's well-being.
The community has born the changes brought about by modernization, adapting while preserving their traditions.
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Synonyms
How to Use
Refers to the commencement of life or origin of something or someone.“Born” primarily functions as a past participle of “bear” in the sense of ‘to give birth’ or ‘to come into life.’ You might say, “He was born on April 10th,” referencing his entry into the world. As an adjective, it can highlight someone’s inherent talent or traits, such as “She’s a born leader,” implying a natural aptitude. In personal introductions or stories, you could use “born” to state origin: “I was born in New York but grew up in California,” providing a starting point in someone’s life journey. The word also appears metaphorically, as in “A new era was born,” signifying a significant starting moment for concepts or movements. When referring to animals, humans, or even ideas, “born” underscores inception or the moment of creation. If you’re writing or speaking about genealogical details, you might say, “He was born to a farming family,” indicating both parentage and background. In formal contexts like certificates or historical records, you’ll often see the format “Born in [place] on [date].” Though the mechanics of “born” can feel straightforward, context ensures whether it refers to literal birth, innate qualities, or a fresh beginning in a figurative sense.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid using “born” repeatedly, you can talk about someone’s place of origin or first appearance. For instance, instead of “He was born in Paris,” you might say, “He came into the world in Paris,” although it’s more poetic. “He entered the world” is similarly figurative for birth. When highlighting innate talents, try phrases like “inherently gifted” or “naturally inclined” instead of “a born leader.” For the creation of ideas or eras, terms like “came into being,” “emerged,” or “was established” can convey the start without directly referencing birth. If you’re discussing an individual’s birthplace in an official tone, you might say “His birthplace was [location],” or “He originated from [location],” providing a more formal or general option.
Writing
When writing about 'born,' clearly present the context—biological birth, a symbolic birth, or natural talents. If you’re documenting lineage, specify date and location for clarity: 'He was born on June 5, 1995, in Boston.' In creative or historical writing, you might emphasize atmosphere around a birth event: 'A storm raged on the night she was born.' If you’re using 'born' to underscore inherent qualities, show how these traits manifest, like 'A born musician, she could play the piano by ear at age three.' Meanwhile, for figurative use—like the birth of ideas or new movements—illustrate background conditions that led to this genesis: 'In the wake of economic collapse, a renewed sense of community was born among neighbors.' Subtle details and context help readers distinguish between the literal process of birth, the emergence of innate traits, or a more metaphorical starting point. By weaving in time, place, and motivations, you root 'born' in a clear framework, guiding readers through the significance of each origin story or inherent quality you describe.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, “born” is a go-to word for talking about birthdays, hometowns, or any start of life event. You might say, 'I was born in Seattle, but I’ve moved around a lot,' or 'She’s practically a born artist—she’s been sketching since she could hold a pencil.' Friends sharing personal histories might mention, 'I was born on a snowy day in December,' or 'My brother and I were born just minutes apart.' It's also common to hear things like, 'He’s a born troublemaker!'—half joking, suggesting some mischievous tendency they’ve had all their life. When chatting about major changes—like big societal shifts—people might casually say, 'That was when the whole idea was born,' pointing to a spark of inspiration. Generally, it’s straightforward and easy to grasp—everyone understands it’s about a start or an origin. 'Born' can add a bit of drama or emphasis: 'From the moment that puppy was born, he’s been a bundle of energy,' giving a sense of how something started and kept going. Simply put, it’s a casual, everyday term for expressing the beginning of a life, quality, or concept.
Etymology
The term “born” comes from the Old English 'boren,' a past participle of 'beran,' meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry.' Proto-Germanic roots include *beraną, indicating the act of carrying or bringing forth—closely linked to giving birth. Historically, 'bear' evolved into various forms across Germanic languages, while in English, 'born' narrowed to focus on the arrival of a child, a living creature, or even metaphorical entities, such as ideas. Over centuries, official documents (like birth certificates) and religious records cemented its usage in referencing someone’s entry into the world. Literature and everyday speech extended “born” to personal attributes—reflecting the notion of inherent qualities one 'comes into the world' possessing. Consequently, 'born' remains a key concept connecting life’s beginning—literal or figurative—to broader cultural, genealogical, and existential narratives.
