B1adjective2K

Native

UK /["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/US /["/ˈneɪtɪv/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • indigenous (2)

Antonyms

  • foreign
  • non-native

Common mistakes

  • 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.