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Language Corner: Borne Out, with an by k at 6:17 pm EDT, May 8, 2006 |
It may have been just a typo, but it pops up from time to time: "Such reports seem born out by help-wanted advertising..." The correct spelling is "borne," with an "e." It's one of two past participles of "to bear," meaning (a) to give birth or (b) to carry. The one without the "e" is used for actual or figurative birth: a star is born, to a born loser; things are born of necessity or desperation; children are born out of wedlock. For everything else, including the cited form of "bear out," meaning to prove or confirm, add the "e."
Yes, dammit, yes! Misuse of born/borne is a pet peeve of mine. |
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