What is the Difference Between Born and Borne?

The difference between "born" and "borne" lies in their usage and the context in which they are used. Both words are forms of the verb "bear," which has various meanings, including "to give birth to," "to produce," "to hold up or support," and "to carry". Here are the key distinctions between "born" and "borne":

• Born: This is the past participle of the verb "bear" when used in the context of birth, whether literally (e.g., "I was born on a Tuesday") or figuratively (e.g., "Most ideas are born from necessity"). As a verb, "born" is always used in the passive voice.
• Borne: This is the past participle of the verb "bear" in all other senses, except for the one related to birth. It is used in the context of carrying something, especially figuratively (e.g., an idea or burden). "Borne" is also used as a combining form with words like "air" (e.g., "airborne").

One exception to the rule of using "born" to refer to birth is when the subject is the mother rather than the child. In this case, the correct term is "borne," not "born". For example, "She has borne three children" refers to the mother giving birth to three children.

In summary, "born" is used in the context of birth, while "borne" is used for all other senses of "bear," including carrying something and forming compound words like "airborne." The choice between "born" and "borne" depends on the context and the specific meaning of "bear" being used.

Comparative Table: Born vs Borne

The difference between "born" and "borne" lies in their usage and meaning:

• Born:

• Refers strictly to the act of giving birth.

• Used as a past participle of the verb "bear" only when it's used in the sense of birth.

• Can also be used as an adjective in the same sense, as in "Canadian-born".

• Incorrect to use in phrases like "born out of," which should be "born from".

• Borne:

• Means to carry or transport.

• Used in reference to carrying something, as in "water-borne bacteria".

• Can also be used in the passive voice in the "to give birth to" sense, as in "She was borne by her mother".

Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Remember that "born" is used to refer to the act of giving birth, while "borne" is used for carrying or transporting something.