native
native Lexical Profile
native Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Associated with the place or circumstances of a person's birth, or of the language acquired by a person in early childhood.
"After living abroad for a decade, she returned to her native country to teach."
Originating, growing, or produced naturally in a particular region or environment (of a plant, animal, or mineral).
"The botanical garden features a wide variety of wildflowers native to the coastal plains."
Designed for or built into a specific computer system, processor, or software environment, rather than running through emulation or external plugins.
"The new operating system includes native support for high-resolution audio files."
Possessed by a person from birth as an innate quality, talent, or characteristic.
"Her native wit and quick thinking helped her navigate the challenging interview."
• noun
A person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not.
"As a native of Chicago, he was completely accustomed to the brisk winter winds."
An animal or plant that is indigenous to a particular geographic region or ecosystem.
"The eucalyptus tree is a well-known native of Australia."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to indigenous peoples, 'native' as a standalone noun can carry dated or colonial connotations in some contexts; using the adjective form (as in 'Native peoples' or 'Native Americans') or 'indigenous' is generally preferred.
• Rhymes for native
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French natif, from Latin nativus ('inborn, innate, natural'), derived from natus, the past participle of nasci ('to be born').