born
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1 coming into the world (v.) A1 Beginnerto come out of your mother's body at the start of your life.
the past participle of 'bear' used almost exclusively in the passive voice to denote the beginning of life.
ExampleThe twin sisters were born on a very cold day in January.
ExampleHe was born into a family of musicians, which meant he was surrounded by classical performances from his earliest infancy.
UsageAlmost always used in the passive voice with the verb 'to be'.
PitfallI was borned in 1995.I was born in 1995.The word 'born' is already a past form; do not add '-ed' to it.
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2 natural talent (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatehaving a certain quality or ability from the moment you are born.
possessing a specific quality, character, or talent innately or by nature.
ExampleShe is a born leader who always knows how to help the team.
ExampleThe coach quickly realized that the young striker was a born athlete, possessing a level of coordination that usually takes years to develop.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
A variant of Bourne.
- 01
all one's born days
One's whole life.
- 02
born and bred
Showing characteristics of birth and upbringing, especially in relation to a particular location.
- 03
born in a barn
In a past tense: criticizing the person to whom the phrase is directed for inappropriately, and usually neglectingly, leaving an exterior door or window open, considered ill-mannered.