What is birth? Pronunciation and usage in English

birth means . Learn how to pronounce and use birth through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of birth

birthnoun

/bəːθ/
Definition & pronunciation of birth

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is: /ˈbɜːθ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈbɜː – This part is the core.

    • ˈb – This is a short, clear "b" sound, as in "bat." It's stressed (meaning it's louder and longer).
    • ɜː – This is the trickiest part. It’s a rounded vowel sound. It’s often described as a "schwa" sound combined with a slight "er" sound. Think of it like saying "bur" but slightly elongated and with your lips rounded, as if you’re about to whistle. It's not like the short "er" in "bed." It's closer to the vowel sound in "bird" or "hurt."

  • θ – This is the "th" sound, as in "thin." It's a voiceless dental fricative – air passes over your teeth.

Here's a way to think about it:

Imagine you’re saying "burth" (but with rounded lips and a slightly elongated "ur" sound). That’s close!

Resources for Hearing It:

Important Notes:

  • Regional Variations: There are slight regional variations, especially in American English. Some speakers might pronounce it closer to /ˈbɜːrtʰ/ (with a very slight “r” sound at the end). However, the /ˈbɜːθ/ pronunciation is generally considered correct and widely understood.

  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": English doesn't typically have a prominent "r" sound in this word.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?
  • Explain the difference between vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word birth in English

Let's break down how to use the word "birth" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a range of meanings! Here's a breakdown grouped by common usages:

1. The Literal Meaning: The Act of Coming into Existence

  • Most Common Usage: This is the primary meaning – the moment someone or something is born.
    • "The birth of her daughter was a joyful occasion."
    • "He celebrated his 21st birthday."
    • “The oak tree began its birth as a tiny acorn."

2. As a Noun - Referring to the Event

  • Birthplace: Where someone was born.
    • "She was born in London."
    • "His birthplace is a historic landmark."
  • Birth Certificate: A legal document proving someone's birth.
    • “She needed her birth certificate to register for the class.”
  • Birthright: Something inherited at birth.
    • “He has the birthright to the family estate.”

3. As a Noun - Referring to a New Beginning (Figurative)

This is where "birth" gets more metaphorical. It describes the start of something new.

  • Birth of an Idea: The moment an idea is conceived.
    • "The birth of the project was met with enthusiasm."
    • “The birth of the app revolutionized the industry.”
  • Birth of a Movement: The beginning of a social or political movement.
    • “The civil rights movement experienced a birth in Montgomery, Alabama.”
  • Birth of a Trend: The rise and popularity of a new trend.
    • "The popularity of sourdough bread marks the birth of a new baking trend."

4. As a Verb - Meaning "To Give Birth" (Specifically for Humans)

  • Female childbirth: This is the most direct usage.
    • “She went into labor and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.”
    • "The mother is recovering after her birth."

5. Less Common, But Worth Knowing:

  • Birth Control: Methods used to prevent conception. ("The birth control pill...")
  • Birth Season: Sometimes used to refer to a period of prolific breeding (e.g., in animals).

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right form:

  • Noun: Use "birth" as a thing – the event, a place, a document, etc. (e.g., “The birth of the baby was wonderful.”)
  • Verb: Use "birth" to mean "to give birth" (e.g., “She birthed a healthy child.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you're unsure about using "birth" in? (e.g., “I'm writing a story and want to describe the beginning of a company.” or “I’m trying to explain the process of childbirth to a friend.”)

Synonyms for the word birth

Idioms of the word birth

give birth (to somebody/something)
(figurative)to produce a baby or young animal
  • She died shortly after giving birth.
  • Mary gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
  • It was the study of history that gave birth to the social sciences.

Practice with vocabulary birth

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The __________ of a new idea often requires creativity and collaboration.
  2. She celebrated the __________ of her nephew with a small family gathering.
  3. The __________ of the project was marked by a series of brainstorming sessions.
  4. The documents traced the family history back to the __________ of their ancestors.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What word refers to the start or beginning of something?
    a) Birth
    b) Origin
    c) Growth
    d) Decline

  2. Which term is used to describe the arrival of a baby?
    a) Marriage
    b) Birth
    c) Death
    d) Celebration

  3. What is the correct word for the emergence of a new concept?
    a) Conception
    b) Termination
    c) Birth
    d) Expansion

  4. Which word is a near-synonym for "inception"?
    a) Creation
    b) Conclusion
    c) Evolution
    d) Birth

  5. What does the word "genesis" mean?
    a) End
    b) Origin
    c) Birth
    d) Destruction

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The beginning of the company was a turning point in the industry.
  2. Her arrival marked the start of a new chapter in their lives.
  3. The launch of the product was met with great enthusiasm.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. Birth
  2. Birth
  3. Start
  4. Beginning

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Birth, b) Origin
  2. b) Birth
  3. c) Birth
  4. a) Creation
  5. b) Origin, c) Birth

Exercise 3:

  1. The birth of the company was a turning point in the industry.
  2. Her birth marked the start of a new chapter in their lives.
  3. The introduction of the product was met with great enthusiasm.

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