virgin birth

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Word: Virgin Birth

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The term "virgin birth" refers to the belief that Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary without having a human father. This is an important concept in Christianity, where it is believed that this miraculous event fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament.

Explanation for New Learners:

• Virgin: A person (usually a woman) who has not had sexual intercourse.
• Birth: The process of being born or the event of being born.

Usage Instructions:

• "Virgin birth" is often used in religious contexts, especially when discussing the life of Jesus Christ.
• It is important to capitalize "Virgin" and "Birth" when referring to this specific theological doctrine.

Example Sentences:

1. Christians celebrate the virgin birth of Jesus during Christmas.
2. The story of the virgin birth is a central element of the Nativity narrative.

Advanced Usage:

In theological discussions, "virgin birth" may also be analyzed in terms of its implications for the nature of Jesus as both human and divine.

Word Variants:

• Virginity (noun): The state of being a virgin.
• Virgin (noun/adjective): A person who has not engaged in sexual intercourse; can also describe something that is untouched or new.

Different Meanings:

While "virgin birth" specifically refers to the birth of Jesus in Christianity, the term "virgin" can also be used in a broader sense to describe anything that is pure or untouched.

Synonyms:

• Immaculate conception (though this term is more specific to Catholic teaching about Mary's conception).
• Miraculous birth (a more general term that could apply to other religious or mythological contexts).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "virgin birth," the concept of "miraculous birth" can appear in literature and discussions about extraordinary events.

Academic

Noun

1. the theological doctrine that Jesus Christ had no human father; Christians believe that Jesus's birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and was attended by miracles; the Nativity is celebrated at Christmas
2. human conception without fertilization by a man

Synonyms

• Virgin Birth
• Nativity
• parthenogenesis
• parthenogeny