Reading Theme:
Birth Definition, Examples, and Common Collocations (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：being born (birth)
birth
/bɜːrθ/
n.
The moment when a baby comes out from its mother's body.
being born
➕
/ˈbiːɪŋ bɔːrn/
n.
The process by which a baby or other offspring comes out from the mother's body.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'byrþ', related to 'bear' (to carry, give birth).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a bird emerging from an egg: BIRTH = BIRD + TH (the moment of breaking through).
📖 Example
The whole family was overjoyed when they heard the news of the baby's birth.
The whole family was overjoyed when they heard the news of the baby's birth.
🔗 Collocations
give birth – to have a baby or young animal
birth certificate – an official document recording a person's birth
birth rate – the number of births per thousand people per year
🔄 Synonyms
delivery (n.) – The process of giving birth
nativity (n.) – The circumstances or process of being born (often formal or religious)
childbirth (n.) – The act of giving birth to a child
🚫 Antonyms
death (n.) – The end of life
🌱 Derivatives
birthday (n.) – The anniversary of the day a person was born
birthright (n.) – A right or privilege that a person is entitled to from birth
childbirth (n.) – The process of giving birth to a child
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'birth' traces back to Proto-Germanic *burþiz and is connected to the verb 'bear'. In modern culture, 'birth' is used metaphorically for the start of any new phenomenon.
Meaning 2：the start (birth)
birth
/bɜːrθ/
n.
The beginning or start of something, like an idea, movement, or country.
the start
➕
/ðə stɑːrt/
n.
The initial stage or origin of an idea, movement, country, or process.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The invention of the printing press marked the birth of modern mass communication.
The invention of the printing press marked the birth of modern mass communication.
🔗 Collocations
the birth of democracy – the origin or beginning of democratic government
birth of a nation – the founding or creation of a country
birth of an idea – the moment an idea is first conceived
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
end (n.) – The final part of something
death (n.) – The end of existence or activity
conclusion (n.) – The end or finish of an event or process
🌱 Derivatives
rebirth (n.) – A revival or new beginning of something
birthplace (n.) – The place where something began or originated
birthright (n.) – A basic right or privilege (also applicable to figurative birth)
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser