Langimage
English

birth

|birth|

A2

🇺🇸

/bɜrθ/

🇬🇧

/bɜːθ/

bringing forth

Etymology
Etymology Information

'birth' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'gebyrda,' where 'ge-' meant 'together' and 'byrda' meant 'bearing or bringing forth.'

Historical Evolution

'gebyrda' transformed into the Middle English word 'birthe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'birth.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'bearing or bringing forth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the emergence of a baby or the beginning of something.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

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

The birth of her first child was a joyous occasion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

the beginning or coming into existence of something.

The birth of a new era in technology.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39