Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
born-out-of-wedlock
Adjective
/bɔrn aʊt ʌv ˈwɛdˌlɒk/
Definition
A term used to describe a child who is conceived or born to parents who are not married to each other.
Examples
- The novel’s protagonist is a born-out-of-wedlock child who struggles with identity.
- In some cultures, being born-out-of-wedlock carries a social stigma.
- The film explores the challenges faced by those who are born-out-of-wedlock in modern society.
Meaning
The phrase originates from a traditional understanding of family structures, indicating that the child is not born within a legally recognized marriage, which historically has implications for social status and legitimacy.
Synonyms
- illegitimate
- unmarried
