ENGLISH
REFERENCE

birthright

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɝˌθɹaɪt// UK //bˈɜːθɹaɪt// birthright

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From birth + right. Compare West Frisian berterjocht (“birthright”), Dutch geboorterecht (“birthright”), German Geburtsrecht (“birthright”). Compare also Icelandic frumburðarréttur (“birthright”).

Usage

Often used with the possessive (e.g., 'one's birthright') or as a singular concept.

Idioms1 entry

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