Birthday Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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birthday
[หbษหฮธ.deษช ]
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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 girlโs 15th birthday, known as a 'Quinceaรฑera', 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.
Origin of 'birthday'
The word 'birthday' dates back to the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English 'birthe' meaning the act of giving birth. Over time, it evolved to refer to the anniversary of the day on which a person was born. The tradition of celebrating birthdays with cakes, candles, and gifts has been observed in various cultures for centuries, symbolizing the joy of another year of life.
See also: birth, birthplace, rebirth.