Word
birthright
US/ˈbɝˌθɹaɪt/
UK/bˈɜːθɹaɪt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a right or privilege that you have because of the family or country you were born into. It is something you deserve simply because of who you are from birth.
n. a particular right, possession, or privilege to which a person is entitled by birth. Often used in legal or historical contexts regarding inheritance, or metaphorically regarding fundamental human rights.
Examples
“Free speech is considered a birthright in many democratic countries.”
“The prince felt that ruling the kingdom was his birthright, regardless of his personal abilities.”
“The philosopher argued that access to clean water and education should be treated as a universal birthright rather than a luxury reserved for the wealthy.”
Examples
simple
“Free speech is considered a birthright in many democratic countries.”
contextual
“The prince felt that ruling the kingdom was his birthright, regardless of his personal abilities.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that access to clean water and education should be treated as a universal birthright rather than a luxury reserved for the wealthy.”
Usage
Often used with the possessive (e.g., 'one's birthright') or as a singular concept.
Real-World Examples
“Her “deafness was her birthright”, Cunxin writes in the book.” “And as for the chooons of Verdi and Puccini, which have never needed any apology in Italian culture for being part of everyone’s birthright, they’re popular music in every possible sense.” Etymology
From birth + right. Compare West Frisian berterjocht (“birthright”), Dutch geboorterecht (“birthright”), German Geburtsrecht (“birthright”). Compare also Icelandic frumburðarréttur (“birthright”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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