B1adjective2K

UK/["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/US/["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/

Meaning of Native

connected with the place where you were born and lived for the first years of your life

In simple words: Someone who was born in a particular place or who speaks a language from childhood.

Native in a sentence

  • She is a native speaker of Spanish, having grown up in Madrid.
  • The native plants in this region are perfectly adapted to the local climate.
  • He feels a strong connection to his native culture and traditions.
  • Many native tribes in the area have their own unique languages.
  • The native wildlife here includes many endangered species.

How to use Native

Use 'native' to describe someone from a specific country or who speaks a language as their first language. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings, but avoid using it in contexts that could imply superiority or exclusivity.

Grammar pattern

be + native + to + place/language

Memory hint

Think of 'native' as being 'native soil' — where you originally come from.

Related words

Collocations with Native

  • native speaker
  • native language
  • native habitat
  • native culture
  • native land

Synonyms for Native

  • indigenous (2)

Opposites of Native

Common mistakes with Native

  • Confused with 'natives' as a term for indigenous peoples in a limited context.
  • Using 'native' to describe someone who has learned a language later in life.
  • Mixing up 'native' with 'national' when referring to citizenship.

Native appears in

Native in other languages

More words like Native

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Frequently asked questions about Native

What does Native mean?

Someone who was born in a particular place or who speaks a language from childhood.

What is the definition of Native?

connected with the place where you were born and lived for the first years of your life

How do you use Native in a sentence?

She is a native speaker of Spanish, having grown up in Madrid.

Can you give another example of Native?

The native plants in this region are perfectly adapted to the local climate.

What are synonyms for Native?

Common alternatives include indigenous (2).

What is the opposite of Native?

Opposite meanings include foreign, non-native.

What words go with Native?

It commonly pairs with native speaker, native language, native habitat, native culture, native land.

What are common mistakes when using Native?

Confused with 'natives' as a term for indigenous peoples in a limited context. Using 'native' to describe someone who has learned a language later in life. Mixing up 'native' with 'national' when referring to citizenship.

How do you pronounce Native?

US: /["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/, UK: /["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Native?

Use 'native' to describe someone from a specific country or who speaks a language as their first language. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings, but avoid using it in contexts that could imply superiority or exclusivity.

What CEFR level is Native?

"Native" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.