What is born? Pronunciation and usage in English

born means . Learn the correct pronunciation, how to use the word in real-life contexts with examples and easy-to-understand memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of born

bornverb

/bɔːn/
Definition & pronunciation of born

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "born" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /bɔrn/ (rhymes with "horn")

Let's break that down further:

  • "b": As in "ball" - a simple, short "b" sound.
  • "or": This is where it gets tricky. It’s pronounced like "ur" (as in "hurt" or "turn"). However, the "r" sound is very light and almost silent. It's more like a quick, subtle ripple of the tongue. Don't try to make a strong "r" sound.
  • "n": As in "no" – a standard "n" sound.

Putting it together: Say it quickly, with a brief, subtle "ur" sound between the "b" and "n."

Here's a breakdown of why it's challenging:

  • The "r" is weak: This is the biggest hurdle for many. It's not a full, rolled "r" like you might hear in Spanish.
  • Linking: In connected speech, the “r” often links to the next vowel sound, which contributes to its indistinct quality.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/born/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce 'born' in English" on YouTube. You’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What dialect of English are you learning? (American, British, Australian, etc.) Pronunciation can subtly differ between dialects.

Usage and examples with the word born in English

Let's break down how to use the word "born" in English. It has several different meanings and grammatical uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Origin or Nature):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes where someone or something came from.
  • Examples:
    • “She is born in Italy.” (She was born in Italy.)
    • “He’s a born leader.” (He has a natural ability to lead.)
    • “It’s a born artist.” (She has a natural talent for art.)
    • “They are born of humble beginnings.” (They came from a poor background.)
    • “A born gambler” (Someone naturally inclined to risk.)

2. As a Verb (Meaning To Come Into Existence):

  • Meaning: This describes the act of being born – the process of entering the world.
  • Examples:
    • “The baby was born at 7 am.”
    • “The company was born out of a need for better communication.”
    • “The idea was born during a late-night brainstorming session.”
    • “The legend was born from a simple folktale.”

3. Phrasal Verbs with “Born”:

  • “Born and raised”: This phrase means someone has lived in a place their entire life.
    • “He’s born and raised in this town.”
  • “Born to”: This suggests someone is naturally suited or destined to do something.
    • “She was born to be a singer.” (She has a natural talent and inclination for singing.)

4. Figurative Uses (Less Common):

  • “Born again”: (Religious context) Refers to experiencing a renewed spiritual commitment. “He had a ‘born again’ experience.”
  • “Born of”: Often used to describe something created or developed from a specific source or circumstance. "The system was born of necessity."

Key Points to Remember:

  • "Born" as an adjective is almost always followed by of or in.
  • "Born" as a verb is often followed by at or on (especially regarding times).

Let’s Test Your Understanding:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "born" or "born":

  1. She was _______ at 3 am.
  2. He is a _______ musician.
  3. They were _______ and raised in London.
  4. The idea was _______ during a meeting.

Answers:

  1. born
  2. born
  3. born and raised
  4. born

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "born"?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail (e.g., "born again")?
  • Create a quiz to test your knowledge?

Synonyms for the word born

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