Nativity
/nəˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/noun
The occasion of a person's birth, particularly the birth of Jesus Christ.
Did you know?The term 'Nativity' is derived from the Latin 'nativitas', which is linked to the concept of being born into a fate or destiny, hinting at the magical significance of birth itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gen-
“to give birth, to beget”
Latin
Latin
nativitas
“birth, origin, the state of being born”
Late Latin
Late Latin
nativitas
“the birth of Christ or other notable figures”
Old French
Old French
nativite
“birth, especially in a religious context”
Middle English
Middle English
nativite
“the event of one's birth, particularly associated with Christ”
Modern English
English
nativity
“the occasion of a person's birth, particularly referring to the birth of Jesus Christ.”