Local

'ləʊkəl

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonDescriptive
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Belonging to or connected with a particular place or area.

'ləʊkəl

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Descriptive

Relating to or characteristic of a particular area, especially a small one.

I prefer to buy local produce from the farmers market.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about your neighborhood. The word 'local' means anything that's about that specific area, like a local park or a local ice cream shop. You might say, 'I went to the local library' or 'I love the local farmers market!'

👶 For kids: Something that is close to where you live is local. Like a local park or a local store!

More Examples

2

The local news reported on the town meeting.

3

She is a local resident and knows the area well.

How It's Used

Geography

"The local climate is very humid."

Politics

"Local elections determine the representatives for the town."

Business

"Support local businesses and shop at local stores."

2

A person who lives in a particular area.

'ləʊkəl

nounneutralmedium
Person

The locals know the best hiking trails in the area.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a new town. 'Locals' are the people who live there. They know the best places to eat and the interesting things to see. You might ask the locals for recommendations!

👶 For kids: A local is someone who lives in a certain place.

More Examples

2

The restaurant is popular with locals.

3

They are locals, having lived in this town for many years.

How It's Used

General

"The locals were friendly and welcoming to tourists."

Tip:Picture the people in your town – they are the locals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

go local

To support and patronize local businesses and products.

"The town encouraged residents to 'go local' and shop at small businesses."

From Latin *locālis*, meaning 'belonging to a place'. The word entered English in the late 15th century.

The word 'local' has been used in similar ways throughout its history, emphasizing connection to a specific place.

Memory tip

Think of a 'location' – local means pertaining to that location.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"Belonging to a place"

local arealocal communitylocal businesseslocal newslocal residents

Common misspellings

loccallocel

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written