bornness

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From born +‎ -ness.

Noun[edit]

bornness (uncountable)

  1. The state or condition with which one is born; one's inherent quality; natural ability or inclination.
    • 1911, The Electric Journal - Volumes 1-7 - Page 951:
      This “bornness” often entails so many infirmities of genius as to greatly modify its value. In the game of salesmanship, as it is beginning to be played today, “bornness” untrained cannot compete with highly trained mediocrity.
    • 2011, Bob Edwards, Living Up in a Down World:
      I wish to call this process a moving from our “bornness to our bentness”; a concept I feel says it well.