Aborigines: meaning, definitions and examples

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aborigines

 

[ ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪniːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

indigenous people

Aborigines refer to the indigenous people of a particular country or region, especially Australia. They are the original inhabitants of the land, with a rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.

Synonyms

indigenous people, native inhabitants.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aborigines

Often used specifically to refer to the original inhabitants of Australia. May sometimes be considered outdated or offensive.

  • The Aborigines have lived in Australia for tens of thousands of years.
indigenous people

A respectful and widely accepted term used to describe people who are native to a particular region. It can refer to various indigenous groups around the world.

  • Indigenous people have unique traditions and a deep connection to their land.
native inhabitants

General term used to refer to the first people who lived in a particular area. It is a neutral term and can be used in various geographical and historical contexts.

  • The native inhabitants of this island have a rich cultural heritage.

Examples of usage

  • The Aborigines have lived in Australia for thousands of years.
  • The Aborigines have a strong spiritual connection to the land.
Context #2 | Noun

origin

Aborigines can also refer to the earliest known inhabitants of a place, regardless of their cultural background. It is used in a more general sense to describe the original inhabitants of a region.

Synonyms

earliest inhabitants, original settlers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aborigines

Commonly used in Australia to refer to the indigenous people who have lived there for thousands of years. Often used in a respectful or academic way.

  • The aborigines have a rich cultural heritage.
  • Many aborigines are working to preserve their languages.
earliest inhabitants

Used when referring to the very first human settlers of a region, often in a historical or archaeological context.

  • The earliest inhabitants of this valley built their homes along the river.
  • Archaeologists discovered tools used by the earliest inhabitants of the area.
original settlers

Commonly used to refer to the first groups of people to establish a lived-in community in a region. This can apply to both ancient and more recent historical contexts.

  • The original settlers of the island faced many challenges.
  • Exploring the history of the original settlers gives insight into early human migration.

Examples of usage

  • The Aborigines of this land date back to ancient times.
  • The Aborigines of this region have a fascinating history.

Translations

Translations of the word "aborigines" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aborígenes

🇮🇳 आदिवासी

🇩🇪 Ureinwohner

🇮🇩 pribumi

🇺🇦 аборигени

🇵🇱 aborygeni

🇯🇵 先住民

🇫🇷 aborigènes

🇪🇸 aborígenes

🇹🇷 yerli halk

🇰🇷 원주민

🇸🇦 السكان الأصليين

🇨🇿 domorodci

🇸🇰 domorodci

🇨🇳 土著居民

🇸🇮 avtohtoni prebivalci

🇮🇸 frumbyggjar

🇰🇿 аборигендер

🇬🇪 აბორიგენები

🇦🇿 aborigenlər

🇲🇽 aborígenes

Etymology

The term 'Aborigines' is derived from the Latin word 'aborigenes', which means 'original inhabitants'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to refer to the indigenous people of Australia. The Aborigines have a history that dates back tens of thousands of years, with diverse cultures and languages. They have faced colonization, discrimination, and marginalization, but continue to fight for recognition and rights. The term 'Aborigines' is now widely accepted as a respectful way to refer to the indigenous peoples of Australia.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,260, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.