A1adjective1K

Local

UK /["/ˈləʊkl/"]/US /["/ˈləʊkl/"]/

Definition

belonging to or connected with the particular place or area that you are talking about or with the place where you live

In simple words: Something related to a particular area or community.

Examples

**local people/residents/businesses**
members of the **local community**
the **local police**
**local elections**
A local man was accused of the murder.
Our children go to the **local school**.
a **local newspaper** *(= one that gives local news)*
decisions made **at the local level**
It was difficult to understand the local dialect.
Her tooth was extracted under **local anaesthetic**.

Usage notes

Use 'local' to describe people, businesses, or things specific to a town or area. Avoid in formal contexts when a more specific term is needed.

Grammar pattern

local + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'local' as a 'lighthouse' guiding you to nearby places.

Collocations

local business
local government
local culture
local news

Synonyms

community
regional
nearby
domestic

Antonyms

global
foreign

Common mistakes

Confusing 'local' with 'locale', which refers to a place or setting.
Using 'local' as a verb instead of an adjective.
Incorrectly using 'locals' to refer to all visitors in an area.