native
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈneɪtɪv/
KK: /ˈneɪtɪv/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the place or environment where a person or thing is originally from; inherent or natural to someone or something.
Example
She is a native speaker of Spanish, having grown up in Mexico.
Conversation
Did you know that she is a native speaker of Spanish?
Really? That must make her pronunciation perfect.
Yeah, it’s impressive how easily she switches between languages.
I bet it gives her a big advantage in communicating with others.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
indigenous
local
innate
Antonyms
foreign
alien
extrinsic
noun
Definition
A person or thing that comes from a specific place or region, often referring to someone born there or an original inhabitant.
Example
She is a native of Brazil and speaks Portuguese fluently.
Conversation
Did you know that she's a native of this area?
Really? I thought she moved here a few years ago.
Yeah, her family has lived here for generations.
Root Explanation
Native → It is formed from "nativus" (meaning born) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "native" refers to someone or something that is born in a particular place or has the nature of being from that place.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'born' ('nativus') in a place — that's why 'native' means someone from that place.
Visually Confused Words
naive
unnative
unactive
sanative
novative
notative
negative
innative