Lowborn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
lowborn
[loสหbษrn ]
Definition
social status
Lowborn refers to someone who is born into a lower social class, often lacking the privileges and advantages associated with higher social standings. It carries connotations of humble beginnings and may imply a lack of wealth or influence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Despite being lowborn, she achieved great success.
- He came from a lowborn family but worked hard to improve his situation.
- The lowborn citizens faced numerous challenges in the wealthy city.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In many past societies, a person's family background determined their social class and opportunities, making 'lowborn' individuals often restricted to lower-status jobs.
- Throughout history, revolutions and reforms have emerged partly due to resentment against the inequality faced by lowborn individuals.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often indicate their lowborn status to highlight social struggles or aspirations for upward mobility.
- Many classic novels feature lowborn protagonists overcoming their humble origins to achieve greatness or make significant contributions to society.
Social Studies
- Modern discussions around social mobility often reference lowborn individuals, emphasizing the impact of background on life chances.
- Socio-economic factors continue to affect the opportunities available to lowborn individuals, illustrating systemic issues in society.
Pop Culture
- In TV shows and movies, lowborn characters frequently serve as relatable heroes or anti-heroes, showcasing their struggles against wealth and power.
- Lyrics in many songs reflect the experiences of people from lowborn backgrounds, expressing themes of resilience and determination.
Origin of 'lowborn'
Main points about word origin
- 'Lowborn' comes from Old English roots, where 'low' means not high in position or status, and 'born' refers to someoneโs family background.
- The term has been used since at least the 15th century to describe people of humble origins.
The term 'lowborn' traces its roots to Middle English 'lowbourn' which combines 'low', meaning of little height or status, and 'born', referencing one's birth. The notion of social hierarchy was particularly pronounced in medieval societies, where one's birth often dictated their status and opportunities in life. 'Lowborn' thus became synonymous with individuals who were born into lower socioeconomic conditions, lacking the noble lineage associated with the upper classes. Over time, the term has evolved to broadly represent anyone from modest origins, reflecting the biases and structures of social stratification inherent in many cultures. This term underscores the impact of birth on social mobility and raises questions about meritocracy and inequality in society.