Word: Native

Pronunciation

/ˈneɪtɪv/

Definitions

• Noun: A person who was born in a particular place or country; one’s homeland or place of origin. For example: “She is a native of Canada.”
  • Also used for a plant or animal that naturally grows or lives in a specific location: “The oak tree is native to North America.”
• Adjective: Belonging to, characteristic of, or originating in a particular place or region by birth or origin. For example: “Native speakers of Spanish often have a natural flair for the language.”

Noun Examples

• “The indigenous tribes are the natives of this land.”
• “This species of butterfly is native to the Amazon rainforest.”

Adjective Examples

• “She speaks with a native fluency in French.”
• “These herbs are native to the Mediterranean region and are widely used in local cuisine.”

Phrases

• “Native language”: The first language a person learns to speak from childhood, usually within their family.
• “Native son/daughter”: A person who is from a particular place and is recognized as such, often with pride.
• “Go native”: To adopt the lifestyle, customs, or attitudes of a local culture when living in a foreign country.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “He takes great pride in his heritage as a Native American.”
• Adjective: “Learning the native customs can greatly enhance your experience while traveling abroad.”

Synonyms

• Indigenous (adj.)
• Aboriginal (adj.)
• Domiciliary (noun, formal)
• Homegrown (adj.)
• Local (adj.)