Definition: Pregnant

From New World Encyclopedia
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Etymology

From pregnant from Middle English preignant, from Old French preignant, pregnant, also prenant (compare archaic Modern French prĂ©gnant), and their source, Latin praegnāns (“pregnant”), probably from prae- (“pre-”) + *gnāscÄ«, an archaic form of nāscÄ« (“to be born”). Displaced Old English bearnēacen (literally "child-enlarged").

Adjective

pregnant (comparative more pregnant, superlative most pregnant)

  1. (chiefly not comparable) Carrying developing offspring within the body.
    She went to the doctor and found out she was pregnant.
  2. (comparable) Having many possibilities or implications; full of promise; abounding in ability, resources, etc.
    a pregnant pause

Derived terms

  • barefoot and pregnant
  • pregnant pause
  • pregnant woman

Credits

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