Referring to a person or animal who is born after another member of the same family or lineage. This term highlights the order of birth, emphasizing the relative position within a family structure. Often implies developmental or social implications stemming from the sequence of birth, such as being raised with existing siblings. This designation can influence familial roles, access to resources, and even personality development, as later-born individuals might experience different parental attitudes and expectations compared to their older siblings. The term contrasts sharply with 'first-born' and can encompass a wide range of birth orders within the scope of human and animal populations.
Later-born meaning with examples
- As the later-born child, Amelia enjoyed a more relaxed upbringing, benefitting from her parents' established experience and reduced anxieties. Her older siblings were responsible for helping to look after her, and her place in the family shaped her personality.
- In many cultures, the later-born children often inherit fewer responsibilities for the family business or property than their elder siblings, giving them more freedom to pursue personal interests and career paths which can be both a blessing and a curse.
- Research suggests that later-born children, particularly those with older siblings of the opposite sex, can demonstrate different social skills and emotional intelligence compared to their first-born siblings, and this often results in quite different personalities.
- The family's three cats presented a clear hierarchy. The later-born kittens tended to play and rough-house while the older cat maintained order. This was because the older cat had more seniority and power.
- Being the later-born in a large family often means learning to share resources and adapt to existing family dynamics. This can, in turn, foster adaptability, cooperation, and the ability to navigate interpersonal relationships successfully.