true-born
Definition
- Adjective:
- Genuine by birth: "true-born" describes someone who is genuinely or authentically of a specified type or origin, especially by virtue of birth or lineage.
- Inherently characteristic: It can also mean having the essential qualities or traits of a particular group, as if born with them.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- He is a true-born Englishman, proud of his heritage. (He is genuinely English by birth and nature.)
- She is a true-born artist, with talent evident from childhood. (She possesses the innate qualities of an artist.)
Advanced Usage
"true-born citizen": a person who is a citizen by birth, not naturalized.
- Only true-born citizens are eligible for that office. (Only those born as citizens can apply.)
"true-born king": a monarch who is the rightful heir by bloodline.
- The people welcomed the true-born king after the usurper was defeated. (The legitimate heir by birth.)
Variants and Related Words
True-bred (adj): thoroughly trained or bred; having the qualities of a specific breed or class.
- The horse is true-bred for racing. (It is bred with pure lineage for speed.)
Born (adj): having a natural ability or quality from birth.
- She is a born leader. (She naturally leads.)
Synonyms
- Legitimate: conforming to the law or to rules; genuine.
- Authentic: of undisputed origin; not a copy.
- Native: belonging to a person by birth or nature.
Related Idioms
Born and bred: raised and educated in a particular place or manner.
- He is a Londoner born and bred. (He was born and raised in London.)
To the manner born: naturally suited to a particular role or situation.
- She took to the stage as if to the manner born. (She seemed naturally fit for acting.)
Phrasal Verbs
- No direct phrasal verbs: "true-born" is a compound adjective and does not form phrasal verbs. However, it can be used in phrases like "prove true-born" (to demonstrate genuine origin).
- The document proved him true-born to the estate. (The document showed his legitimate birthright.)