Birth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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birth

[bɜːθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

certificate

The emergence of a baby or other young from the body of its mother; the start of life as a physically separate being.

Synonyms

delivery, nativity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
birth

General use to refer to the beginning of life or the act of being born.

  • The birth of her baby was a joyful occasion for the whole family.
  • They announced the birth of their daughter on social media.
delivery

Emphasizes the process of giving birth, often referred to in medical or formal contexts.

  • The doctor was present during the delivery of the child.
  • She had a smooth delivery with no complications.
nativity

Usually used in a religious or historical context to refer to the birth of Jesus Christ.

  • Many people set up nativity scenes during Christmas.
  • The church performed a nativity play depicting the birth of Jesus.

Examples of usage

  • The birth of their first child was a momentous occasion for the couple.
  • The birth certificate is an official document that records a person's birth.
Context #2 | Noun

origin

The origin or beginning of something.

Synonyms

genesis, origin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
birth

Used when talking about the act of being born or the beginning of something.

  • The birth of a child is a special moment.
  • The birth of the internet revolutionized the world.
origin

Used to denote the starting point or source of something, can also be used to discuss ancestry or background.

  • The origin of the tradition is unknown.
  • She traced her family’s origin to Eastern Europe.
genesis

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe the very beginning or origin of something, often something grand or significant.

  • The genesis of the universe is a topic of much debate.
  • The book discusses the genesis of modern philosophy.

Examples of usage

  • The birth of the internet revolutionized communication.
  • The birth of a new idea can lead to great innovations.
Context #3 | Verb

create

To bring forth or be brought forth as a result of birth.

Synonyms

deliver, produce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
birth

This is a general term used to describe the process of a baby coming out of its mother's body. It can also refer to the start of something, like an idea or movement.

  • The birth of her son was a joyous occasion.
  • The birth of the internet has changed the world.
deliver

This is typically used in a medical context, indicating the act of a doctor or midwife helping a baby be born. It can also mean to bring or hand over something to the proper recipient, but this is a separate meaning.

  • The doctor helped to deliver the baby safely.
  • The package was delivered to her doorstep.
produce

This is often used in a broader and more abstract sense, meaning to bring something into existence or to create something. It is rarely used to describe childbirth.

  • The factory can produce thousands of units each day.
  • His work in the lab has produced significant results.

Examples of usage

  • She birthed a beautiful baby girl last night.
  • The artist birthed a masterpiece that amazed the world.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'birth'

The word 'birth' originated from the Old English word 'byrth', which meant 'being born; a human being; offspring; that which is born'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the emergence of a new life. The concept of birth is fundamental to human existence and has been a central theme in various cultures and religions throughout history. The act of giving birth is a miraculous and profound experience that has been celebrated and revered across different societies.


See also: birthday, birthplace, rebirth.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,664, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.