Birth
/bɜːrθ/
nounverbA2
Definition
Birth means when a baby or animal is born and comes out of the mother’s body. It is the start of life outside the mother. Birth can also mean the start or beginning of things like ideas, events, or things.
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⚡ See It in Action
The act of being born; when a baby or animal comes out of the mother
- •The birth of the baby was very quick and smooth.
- •She went to the hospital for the birth of her first child.
- •The birth of the calf was watched by the farmer.
The beginning or start of something new
- •The birth of the internet changed the world.
- •The birth of a new idea can come from a simple question.
- •The birth of the company happened ten years ago.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "birth" like "start," but for life or something very important beginning
- ✓Picture a baby coming out of the mother, taking its first breath and crying for the first time
- ✓It’s the feeling of newness and hope, like the beginning of a new day or a new chance
- ✓Sounds like "birth" → imagine a bird (sounds like "birth") hatching from an egg for the first time
- ✓Think of stories where a hero is born and begins their journey, full of potential and change
- ✓NOT like "death" (end of life), birth is the very start
- ✓NOT like "creation" (making something), birth specifically means coming into life or existence by being born
- ✓NOT like "start" in general, birth is about living things or very important beginnings
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Delivery: the act of giving birth (Use when talking about the process of a mother giving birth)
- •Beginning: the first part of something (Use when talking about non-living things starting)
- •Origin: the place or time where something begins (Use when talking about where or how something started)
- •Creation: making something new (Use when focusing on making or producing something, not just being born)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: base word "birth" (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: Old English "berþ" meaning "act of bearing or bringing forth"
- •Historical development: Used for centuries to describe the act of being born; also used metaphorically for beginnings
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for babies and animals being born, and for the start of important things like ideas or movements
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel about the idea of birth as a beginning beyond just babies, like the birth of a new friendship or project?
•Can something be considered "born" if it is made by people, like a new invention or story? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The birth of a baby usually happens after ___ months of pregnancy.
2.People often celebrate the birth of a child with ___ and gifts.
3.Unlike the death of a person, birth is the ___ of life.
4.The birth of a new idea can ___ from a simple question or problem.
5.During birth, doctors help the mother ___ the baby safely.
6.The birth of the internet led to many new ways for people to ___ and share information.
7.When we talk about the birth of a company, we mean the time when it was ___ or started.