born
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for born, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a particular quality from birth; natural or innate.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use born
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
born and raised
a born leader
born free
Etymology
From Old English "boren," the past participle of "beran" ("to bear, carry"), the same root as the verb "bear."
Full origin of born →Frequently asked questions
What does “born” mean?
The word “born” means having a particular quality from birth; natural or innate. In plain terms, describes a quality someone has had since birth, or literally the fact of being brought into the world.
How do you pronounce “born”?
“Born” is pronounced bawn (/boɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “born” in a sentence?
Here is “born” used in a sentence: “She's a born leader — people just follow her instructions.”
What part of speech is “born”?
“Born” is an adjective.
Where does the word “born” come from?
The word “born” comes from Old English. From Old English "boren," the past participle of "beran" ("to bear, carry"), the same root as the verb "bear.".
Is “born” a common word?
“Born” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between born and borne?
Both come from the verb bear, but they split by meaning. Born relates to birth: 'she was born in June,' or 'a born athlete.' Borne is used for every other sense of bear, meaning carried or endured: 'he has borne great hardship,' or 'a disease borne by insects.' If birth is not involved, use borne.
What is an example of born used as an adjective?
In the phrase 'a born leader,' born means the person has leadership in their nature from the start, not something they had to learn. Similar examples include a born storyteller or a born athlete. The word marks a talent or quality that seems natural and innate rather than acquired.
What does it mean to be a born something?
To be a born something, such as a born teacher or a born performer, is to have a natural gift for it that appears to come effortlessly, as if present from birth. It suggests the ability is instinctive rather than trained, a part of who the person fundamentally is.
