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native

Q: How is the word 'native' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of native are aboriginal , endemic , and indigenous . While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it. // native tribal customs

Q: When can 'aboriginal' be used instead of 'native'?

The meanings of aboriginal and native largely overlap; however, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region. // the aboriginal peoples of Australia

Q: In what contexts can 'endemic' take the place of 'native'?

The synonyms endemic and native are sometimes interchangeable, but endemic implies being peculiar to a region. // a disease endemic in Africa

Q: When might 'indigenous' be a better fit than 'native'?

The words indigenous and native are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere. // indigenous plants

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of native

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 belonging to a particular place by birth or origin

though she now lived in the Northeast, she was a native Midwesterner

Synonyms for native

Words Related to native

local,
regional

original

Near Antonyms for native

Antonyms for native

2 being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining

diamonds in their native state are not the bright, flashy gems that one might imagine

Synonyms for native

Words Related to native

undeveloped

uncooked

impure,
unfiltered

Phrases Synonymous with native

Near Antonyms for native

Antonyms for native

3 being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing

a native energy and ambition that would allow him to rise above his humble beginnings

Synonyms for native

Words Related to native

internal

Phrases Synonymous with native

in one's blood

Near Antonyms for native

alien,
foreign

exterior,
external

Antonyms for native

native

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of native (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a usually longtime resident of a locality

the natives seem to resent the summer tourists even though they depend upon them for their livelihood

Synonyms for native

Words Related to native

Near Antonyms for native

2 a member of the first people to inhabit a region

the anthropologist spent two years living among the island's natives and observing and documenting their customs and traditions

Synonyms for native

Near Antonyms for native

alien,
foreigner

Antonyms for native

nonnative

Frequently Asked Questions About native

How is the word native distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of native are aboriginal, endemic, and indigenous. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

When can aboriginal be used instead of native?

The meanings of aboriginal and native largely overlap; however, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

In what contexts can endemic take the place of native?

The synonyms endemic and native are sometimes interchangeable, but endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might indigenous be a better fit than native?

The words indigenous and native are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants