firstborn
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈfɜrstˌbɔrn/
KK: /ˈfɜrstˌbɔrn/
adjective
Definition
The term refers to the child who is born first in a family.
Example
As the firstborn, she often felt responsible for her younger siblings.
Conversation
I just found out my friend is having a firstborn child soon!
That's exciting news! They must be thrilled.
Yeah, I can't wait to see how they adjust to being parents with their firstborn.
It will definitely be a big change for them, but they'll manage.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
eldest
primary
initial
Antonyms
youngest
last
subsequent
noun
Definition
The first child born to a family.
Example
She is the firstborn in her family and has two younger siblings.
Conversation
Did you know that being a firstborn can come with a lot of expectations?
Yeah, I've heard that they often feel more pressure to succeed.
Exactly! My friend is a firstborn, and she always talks about it.
Root Explanation
Firstborn → It is formed from "first" (from Old English "fyrst", meaning earliest or prior) and "born" (from Old English "boren", meaning to be born). The word "firstborn" refers to the first child born to a parent.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'first' meaning earliest and 'born' meaning to come into the world — that's why firstborn refers to the first child born.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.