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.