Meaning & Definition of word "Native"
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Native
/ˈneɪ.tɪv/
noun:
- 1. A person born in a specified place or associated with a particular place by birth.
- Example: He is a native of Australia and takes great pride in his heritage.
- 2. A plant or animal that originated in a particular region.
- Example: The area is home to several natives, including unique species of birds.
- 3. A person who is a member of the country's original inhabitants.
- Example: The native of the land shared stories about their ancestors with the visitors.
adjective:
- 1. Belonging to a particular place by birth or origin.
- Example: She is a native New Yorker who loves the city's vibrant culture.
- 2. Produced or occurring naturally in a particular region.
- Example: The garden features native plants that thrive in the local climate.
- 3. Related to the original inhabitants or natural environment of a place.
- Example: The native tribes have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Etymology
Middle English: from Latin nativus, from nasci 'to be born'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
native tongue:
The language that a person has spoken from earliest childhood.
native land:
The country or region where a person was born.
native plants:
Plants that occur naturally in a region.
native culture:
The culture of the original inhabitants of a place.
native species:
Species that have evolved or adapted to a specific area.
Related Words
indigenous:
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.
settler:
A person who moves with a group of others to live in a new country or area.
colonist:
A person who settles in a new colony or moves into new territory.
immigrant:
A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
Slang Meanings of native
Meaning: Hometown hero
Example Sentence: He's a native and everyone in the town looks up to him.
Meaning: Local
Example Sentence: Only the natives know the best spots around here.