born-again

American  

[bawrn-uh-gen, -uh-geyn] / ˈbɔrn əˌgɛn, -əˌgeɪn /

adjective

1. committed or recommitted to religious faith through an intensely religious experience.

   a born-again Christian.

2. reactivated or revitalized.

   a born-again conservatism in American politics.

3. enthusiastically committed.

   a born-again jogger.

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noun

1. a person who is characterized by a newfound faith or enthusiasm.

born-again British  

/ ˈbɔːnəˌɡɛn /

adjective

1. having experienced conversion, esp to evangelical Christianity

2. showing the enthusiasm of one newly converted to any cause

   a born-again monetarist

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noun

1. a person who shows fervent enthusiasm for a new-found cause, belief, etc

Etymology

Origin of born-again

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Carter was a born-again evangelical Christian as well as a Democrat.

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2024

Her comedy may not be for everyone, though, like the family of her new boyfriend, whom she described as a born-again Christian.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

Just over 20% of Trump’s Iowa supporters in 2016 self-reported as evangelicals or born-again Christians; evangelicals made up 53% of his supporters in 2024 Iowa polling....

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2024

That’s even higher among white born-again Christians, at 56%.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 7, 2024

“Let’s say grace,” he said with his born-again smile.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Related Words

• doctrinal
• holy
• sacred
• sectarian
• theological