Native: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe someone who was born in a specific place or has always lived there.

• She is a native of New York
• The native population has unique traditions

This is used to describe people who live in a specific area, especially in relation to visitors or outsiders. Often used when discussing community issues or businesses.

• We asked a local for directions
• The locals protested against the new development

Often used in administrative, formal, or legal contexts to describe a person who lives in a specific area, especially concerning rights or services.

• She is a resident of the apartment building
• The new policy affects all residents of the city

This term is used in a more formal context to refer to someone who lives in a specific place. It has a neutral tone and can be used in scientific or statistical contexts.

• The city has 500,000 inhabitants
• The polar bear is an inhabitant of the Arctic regions

Used to describe a person who is born in a particular place or who naturally belongs to a specific group or area.

• She is a native of Spain
• Native plants in this region flourish

This term suggests a personal and emotional connection to one's language, often used when discussing language and heritage.

• She speaks French as her mother tongue
• Protecting one's mother tongue is crucial for cultural identity

Refers to the first language a person learned to speak as a child. Useful in formal contexts such as academic papers or official documents.

• English is his first language
• Many children in bilingual homes have two first languages

Used to describe something or someone that has always been in a particular place or who was born there. Often used in terms of people or species that originate from that place.

• She is a native speaker of Spanish.
• These plants are native to the region.

Primarily used to refer to people, cultures, and species that originated in a particular place and have historic ties to that land. Often has a formal or respectful tone.

• The indigenous people have lived in this area for thousands of years.
• That tree is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest.

Used to describe people or things that belong to or are characteristic of a specific area. It can also refer to something that is typical or common in a particular place.

• We bought some local produce at the market.
• Ask the locals for the best places to visit.

Used to describe something that was the first of its kind, or that has not been copied or altered. It can also mean something that is unique or one’s own idea.

• The artist's original painting was sold for a high price.
• He had an original idea for the project.