Meaning of Word
Indigenous refers to something or someone that originates naturally in a particular region or environment, often used to describe plants, animals, or people native to a specific area.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Naturally existing or growing in a particular place or region.
- Originating or produced in a specific country or environment.
- Belonging to or characteristic of a particular region or country.
History and Origin
The word indigenous comes from the Latin word indigena, meaning “born in” or “native to.”
- Indi- (meaning “in” or “within”)
- Genus (meaning “birth” or “origin”).
It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe native plants, animals, and people of a specific region or country.
Detailed Explanation
Indigenous generally refers to species or people that are native to a particular area, contrasting with those that are foreign or introduced. For plants and animals, it means those that evolved in and are naturally found in a certain environment without human intervention. In the context of human populations, it refers to groups of people who have lived in an area for many generations, often before colonization or external influences.
Example Sentences
- The koala is an indigenous animal of Australia.
- Indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest have lived there for centuries.
- The indigenous plants of the region are perfectly adapted to the local climate.
- She studied the indigenous cultures of Africa as part of her anthropology degree.
- Many indigenous languages are at risk of disappearing due to globalization.
- The indigenous people of the island have a rich tradition of storytelling.
- Indigenous crops like quinoa are becoming popular in global markets.
- The government is working to preserve indigenous wildlife in national parks.
- Indigenous art often reflects the deep connection between people and their environment.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Native – Originating naturally in a particular place or environment.
- Original – Existing from the beginning or first in a specific area.
- Endemic – Particularly native to a specific geographical region.
- Local – Relating to or characteristic of a particular place.
- Autochthonous – Originating or produced naturally in a particular region, often used in biological contexts.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Aboriginal – Indigenous people, particularly in relation to Australia, Canada, and parts of the Americas.
- Tribal – Relating to a tribe, often used to describe indigenous communities.
- Culture – The shared practices, traditions, and values of an indigenous group.
- Heritage – The traditions, customs, and characteristics passed down by indigenous ancestors.
- Sustainability – The practice of maintaining the natural balance and resources of an indigenous environment.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Native-born – People born in a particular country or region, often used in relation to indigenous populations.
- Customary – Referring to practices or traditions of indigenous groups.
- Traditional – Pertaining to the long-established ways or beliefs of indigenous communities.
- Pristine – Describes a natural environment that has been largely untouched by external influences, often associated with indigenous land.
- Natural – Existing or occurring in nature without human intervention, commonly used to describe indigenous flora and fauna.
Antonyms
- Foreign – Coming from or originating in another country or place.
- Introduced – Species or people brought into a region from elsewhere.
- Exotic – Unusual or different from what is native to a region.
- Colonial – Relating to the period of colonization, when indigenous populations were often displaced.
- Non-native – Not originating or naturally found in a particular area.