born
born Lexical Profile
born Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Brought forth by birth; existing as a result of birth.
"The newly born calves stood up on wobbly legs within an hour."
Having an innate, natural talent or suitability for a particular role or activity from birth.
"With her charisma and quick wit, she was a born leader."
Originating from or brought into existence by a specified condition, circumstance, or feeling.
"Their bold decision was born of necessity rather than ambition."
• verb
To be brought into life by birth (used as the past participle of 'bear' in passive constructions not followed by 'by' and the mother).
"Marie Curie was born in Warsaw in 1867."
Word Nuance & Usage
Easily confused with the homophone 'borne'; 'born' is used exclusively for childbirth, origins, and innate qualities, whereas 'borne' is the standard past participle of 'bear' in all other senses (such as carrying a burden or enduring hardship).
• Rhymes for born
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'boren', the past participle of 'beran' (to bear, carry, or bring forth), from Proto-Germanic *buranaz. The spelling distinction between 'born' and 'borne' developed in the late 18th century to separate the sense of birth from that of carrying.