Native
ˈneɪtɪv
Definitions
3 meaningsOriginating in a particular place; born in a certain place.
ˈneɪtɪv
Belonging to a particular place by birth
She is a native of London.
💡 Simply: Imagine you were born in a town. The people, plants, and animals that already live there are 'native' to that place. It's like their hometown from the start!
👶 For kids: If you were born in a place, you are a native of that place!
More Examples
The native language of Japan is Japanese.
Native animals are those found naturally in a particular area.
How It's Used
"The native population of Australia are the Aboriginal people."
"The native plants of the region are well-adapted to the local climate."
Inborn; inherent; natural; belonging to someone from birth.
ˈneɪtɪv
Innate; natural
He has a native ability to understand complex problems.
💡 Simply: Think of it like having a superpower from birth! Someone who's 'native' at something is naturally good at it. Like, a native talent is something you're born being good at, not something you learn.
👶 For kids: If something comes easily to you, like drawing or singing, that's something native to you.
More Examples
The software offers native support for the hardware.
She has a native wit, always ready with a clever remark.
How It's Used
"She has a native talent for music."
"The application has native support for the operating system."
A person born in a particular place.
ˈneɪtɪv
The natives of the island were friendly and welcoming.
💡 Simply: It's like saying someone is from a place. If you were born in New York, you're a native of New York! If someone goes to a new place, the natives are the people who lived there before they arrived.
👶 For kids: A native is someone who was born in a certain place.
More Examples
The conflict arose between the colonizers and the natives.
The museum displayed artifacts from the local native cultures.
How It's Used
"The natives were displaced by the colonizers."
"The explorer interacted with the natives of the island."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
native speaker
A person who speaks a particular language as their first language.
"She is a native speaker of French."
Native American
A person who is indigenous to the United States.
"Native Americans have a rich cultural history."
From Latin *nātīvus* ('innate, produced by birth'), from *nāscor* ('to be born').
The word 'native' has been used since the 14th century, primarily referring to the place of origin or birth.
Memory tip
Think of someone born in a specific place: they're a native.
Word Origin
"innate; produced by birth"