A1verb1K

Born

UK /["/bɔːn/"]/US /["/bɔːrn/"]/

Definition

to come out of your mother’s body at the beginning of your life

In simple words: To come into the world; to be delivered.

Examples

  • She was born in a small town.
  • He was born on a cold winter morning.
  • They were born into a wealthy family.
  • The artist was born with a special talent.
  • Every year, the city celebrates the day it was born.

Usage notes

Used in many contexts, particularly in discussions of birth, origins, or beginnings. It's not formal and can be used in casual conversation. Avoid using it for anything other than literal or metaphorical beginnings.

Grammar pattern

standalone verb

Memory hint

Think of 'born' as 'being born' from a 'door' into the world.

Collocations

  • prematurely
  • into
  • of
  • to
  • be born alive
  • be born dead
  • be born and bred

Synonyms

  • brought into the world
  • delivered
  • produced
  • created

Antonyms

  • died
  • failed

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'bore' - they have different meanings.
  • Using 'born' in the wrong tense, like 'I was borns.'
  • Mixing up 'born' and 'borne' in writing.