Borne Out: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
June 6, 2024

"Borne out" is a phrase that refers to the confirmation or substantiation of a fact, theory, or belief after it has been tested or investigated. It indicates that evidence or experience has supported or validated an initial assumption or statement. For example, if someone says that a prediction about weather patterns was "borne out," it means that subsequent weather events have confirmed the accuracy of that prediction. The phrase emphasizes the process of verification through practical evidence or outcomes.

In short:

  • It signifies the confirmation or substantiation of something through evidence or outcomes.
  • It is often used in contexts where theories, predictions, or expectations are proven correct or accurate after the fact.

What Does "Borne Out" Mean?

"Borne out" refers to the process by which ideas, theories, predictions, or assumptions are validated or confirmed by subsequent events or evidence. The term "borne" is the past participle of "bear," meaning to carry or to support. Therefore, when something is "borne out," it is supported or upheld by evidence. This phrase is used across various fields, including science, finance, and daily conversation, to indicate that further evidence has supported an initial idea or expectation.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • It suggests a conclusion reached through evidence, experience, or testing.
  • The term is often used in research, analysis, or discussion to indicate that an outcome has validated a hypothesis or belief.
  • "Borne out" can relate to both positive and negative outcomes, depending on what was initially predicted or assumed.
  • It is a way to communicate the reliability and accuracy of a statement based on subsequent verification.
  • The phrase underscores the importance of evidence and outcomes in the process of validation.

Where Does "Borne Out" Come From?

The phrase "borne out" originates from the verb "bear," which has many meanings, including to carry, support, and endure. The use of "borne" in this context refers to the idea of carrying the weight of proof or substantiation. Historically, the term has been used in legal, scientific, and literary texts to describe the process of supporting claims or hypotheses with evidence. The exact origin of the phrase is difficult to pinpoint due to the broad and long-standing use of the verb "bear" in the English language, but its usage in the sense of confirmation or substantiation is well-established in written records dating back centuries.

10 Examples of "Borne Out" in Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate how "borne out" can be used in different contexts:

  • He wondered what was on the other side of the door, but his curiosity was never borne out.
  • He tried to escape, but he was prevented from doing so. His fate was borne out.
  • The concerns about climate change have been borne out by recent extreme weather events.
  • Initial doubts about the project's feasibility were borne out when it encountered significant obstacles.
  • The prediction that technology would change the workplace has certainly been borne out.
  • Her hypothesis on social behavior was borne out through extensive research.
  • The assumption that the merger would lead to greater efficiency was not borne out in practice.
  • They predicted a red wave in the election, but the results were borne out otherwise.
  • His belief in the team's potential was borne out when they won the championship.
  • She didn’t know what the future had in store for her, but she hoped it would be borne out soon.

Examples of "Borne Out" in Pop Culture

This phrase is less commonly highlighted in pop culture than in academic or professional discourse. However, it can be found in documentaries, news reports, and non-fiction works that discuss the verification of theories or predictions over time.

Let's look at some examples:

  • In "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, a line reflects on the decline of noble wisdom: "The old wisdom borne out of the West was forsaken," emphasizing the loss of values once cherished.
  • Eric Klerks captures the essence of hope and renewal in his song "Light Borne Out of Shadow," exploring themes of darkness and the emergence of light as a metaphor for personal growth.
  • The TV series "Star Trek" features a line about the harsh realities of life in the Terran Empire: "Terran strength is borne out of pure necessity because they live in constant fear," highlighting the survival instincts that drive the characters.
  • Grace Helbig offers insights on failure and success in her shows and interviews. She explains that "Many great accomplishments have been borne out of failed attempts and mistakes," encouraging a perspective of learning from every experience.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Borne Out"

Here are some alternative phrases that express the same idea:

  • Confirmed
  • Substantiated
  • Validated
  • Verified
  • Supported
  • Proven
  • Upheld
  • Corroborated
  • Authenticated
  • Justified

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Borne Out":

  • What does "borne out" mean?

"Borne out" means that something has been confirmed or substantiated by evidence or results.

  • Is "borne out" used in formal contexts?

Yes, "borne out" is often used in formal contexts, especially in academic, scientific, and professional discussions.

  • Can "borne out" be used in everyday conversation?

While it is more common in formal contexts, "borne out" can also be used in everyday conversation to describe situations where expectations or predictions are confirmed.

  • What is the difference between "borne out" and "proven"?

"Borne out" and "proven" are similar, but "borne out" emphasizes the process of being supported by evidence, while "proven" directly indicates that evidence has demonstrated something to be true.

  • Can "borne out" refer to negative outcomes?

Yes, "borne out" can refer to both positive and negative outcomes, depending on the nature of the initial assumption or prediction.

  • How can I use "borne out" in a sentence?

You can use "borne out" to indicate that subsequent evidence or results have confirmed an initial belief or theory, e.g., "The success of the strategy was borne out by the company's growth."

  • Is "borne out" always related to scientific evidence?

No, "borne out" can be related to any type of evidence or outcomes, not just scientific evidence.

  • Can "borne out" be used in legal contexts?

Yes, "borne out" is used in legal contexts to describe how evidence supports or does not support a case or argument.

  • What is a synonym for "borne out" that implies stronger evidence?

A synonym for "borne out" that implies stronger evidence might be "conclusively proven" or "unequivocally substantiated."

  • Does "borne out" have a different meaning in British and American English?

No, "borne out" has the same meaning in both British and American English, referring to the confirmation of something through evidence or outcomes.

Final Thoughts About "Borne Out"

The phrase "borne out" is important in proving and confirming ideas, connecting a guess and proven truth. It's useful in school, work, and personal situations, allowing people to clearly state how evidence or results have backed up what they previously thought or said.

To recap:

  • It is essential to indicate the process and result of validation across various fields.
  • The phrase underscores the critical role of evidence in establishing the veracity of claims.
  • Understanding its use enriches discourse by allowing for precise communication about the relationship between predictions and their outcomes.
  • "Borne out" reinforces the value of empirical evidence in supporting or refuting theories and assumptions.

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