Birthday: meaning, definitions and examples
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birthday
[ˈbɜːθ.deɪ ]
Definitions
celebration
The anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically involving the giving of gifts, the sending of cards, and the enjoyment of a party or meal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| birthday |
It refers to the annual celebration of the day someone was born. Mostly used in personal and informal contexts, often involving family and friends.
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| anniversary |
It is used to commemorate the date of a significant event that occurred in the past, like a wedding, the founding of a company, or another important event. This term can be used both in personal and formal contexts.
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| celebration |
A broad term referring to any event or activity designed to honor or enjoy a special occasion. This can be used in various contexts, including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other significant milestones.
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Examples of usage
- Her birthday is next week.
- We are having a birthday party for him.
age
The day of a person's birth or the anniversary of that day.
Synonyms
date of birth, natal day.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| birthday |
Commonly used to refer to the anniversary of the day someone's life began. Appropriate in casual, informal, and formal settings.
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Examples of usage
- He never celebrates his birthday.
- On my birthday, I like to reflect on the past year.
cake
A cake made to celebrate someone's birthday, typically with candles on top representing the person's age.
Synonyms
cake, celebratory cake.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| birthday |
Use this word to refer to the anniversary of someone's birth. It is commonly used to describe the occasion or the day itself.
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| cake |
Use this word when referring to a sweet baked good that is often served on special occasions. It is a general term and can be used for all types of cakes, not just those for birthdays.
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| celebratory cake |
Use this phrase when referring to a cake made specifically to celebrate an occasion. It implies a special or festive reason for the cake, such as a birthday, anniversary, or achievement celebration.
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Examples of usage
- She baked a birthday cake for her friend.
- The children blew out the candles on the birthday cake.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first recorded birthday celebration dates back to ancient Egypt, where pharaohs celebrated their coronation day, which was considered their real 'birth' into godhood.
- In ancient Rome, only prominent figures like soldiers and statesmen had public birthday parties, while regular citizens kept the event private.
- The modern custom of celebrating birthdays began in Germany during the late Middle Ages with children's birthday parties called 'Kinderfest'.
Cultural Traditions
- In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday, known as a 'Quinceañera', is a significant celebration representing her transition into womanhood.
- In many Asian cultures, turning one year old is celebrated on Lunar New Year, not on the actual birth date.
- The song 'Happy Birthday to You' was composed in the late 19th century, and today it is one of the most recognized songs globally.
Psychology
- Studies show that celebrating birthdays can enhance a person's sense of belonging and happiness, fostering social bonds with family and friends.
- Milestone birthdays, like turning 18 or 50, often lead individuals to reflect on their life achievements and future goals.
- Celebrating birthdays helps reinforce personal identity and promotes a positive perception of aging.
Modern Context
- Digital age technology allows people to celebrate birthdays virtually, using social media platforms to connect with friends and family globally.
- The greeting card industry sees a significant spike in sales around birthday seasons, as many people send cards to convey well wishes.
- With the rise of online shopping, personalized birthday gifts have become increasingly popular, allowing for more thoughtful celebrations.
Translations
Translations of the word "birthday" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aniversário
🇮🇳 जन्मदिन
🇩🇪 Geburtstag
🇮🇩 ulang tahun
🇺🇦 день народження
🇵🇱 urodziny
🇯🇵 誕生日
🇫🇷 anniversaire
🇪🇸 cumpleaños
🇹🇷 doğum günü
🇰🇷 생일
🇸🇦 عيد ميلاد
🇨🇿 narozeniny
🇸🇰 narodeniny
🇨🇳 生日
🇸🇮 rojstni dan
🇮🇸 afmæli
🇰🇿 туған күн
🇬🇪 დაბადების დღე
🇦🇿 ad günü
🇲🇽 cumpleaños