born
Pronunciation: /bɔːn/
adjective
- existing as a result of birth: she was born in Aberdeen I was born with a sense of curiosity a newly born baby
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- (of an organization, movement, or idea) brought into existence: on 1 January 1992, the new company was born
- (born of) existing as a result of (a particular situation or feeling): his work is born of despair
Phrases
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born and bred
- by birth and upbringing, especially with reference to someone considered a typical product of a place: he was a Cambridge man born and bred
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born on the wrong side of the blanket
- see blanket.
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be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
- be born into a wealthy family of high social standing: it’s obvious that he wasn’t raised with a silver spoon
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in all one's born days
- used to express surprise at something one has not encountered before: in all my born days I’ve never seen the like of it
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not know one is born
- British used to convey that someone has an easy life without realizing how easy it is: you lot without families don’t know you’re born
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there's one (or a sucker) born every minute
- informal there are many gullible people.
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I (or he, she, etc.) wasn't born yesterday
- used to indicate that one (or another person) is not foolish or gullible.
Origin:
Old English boren, past participle of beran 'to bear' (see bear1)
On the difference between born and borne, see bear1 (usage).