Looking up...
birth
/bɜːrθ/
the process of being born
The birth of her child was the happiest moment of her life.
The moment when her child was born was the happiest moment of her life.
general
the act or process of being born
The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion.
When a baby is born, it is a happy event.
Can refer to the physical act of giving birth or the event of being born.
figurative
the origin or beginning of something
The birth of democracy in ancient Greece was a significant milestone.
The beginning of democracy in ancient Greece was an important event.
Used metaphorically to describe the start or creation of something.
Collocations
give birthto deliver a babybirth certificateofficial document recording a birthbirth ratenumber of births per population
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that 'birth' can refer to both the physical act of being born and the beginning of something abstract.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'birth' for the act of being born or the beginning of something, not for the process of aging or growing.
Word Origin
Old English 'byrð', from Proto-Germanic 'burþiz', related to 'bear' (to carry).
Usage Notes
Can be used literally (physical birth) or figuratively (beginning of something).
Word Breakdown
birth
the act of being born
rootEnglish Dictionary