Definition
Indigenous refers to something or someone that is native or originating from a particular place or region, often referring to people, animals, plants, or customs.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Native, original, aboriginal, autochthonous, endemic
Antonyms
Foreign, alien, introduced, imported, exotic
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | indigenousness, indigenousnesses |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | indigenous |
| Adverb | indigenously |
Example Sentences
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The indigenous population of Australia is one of the oldest living cultures in the world.
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The indigenous flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest are under threat from deforestation.
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The traditional clothing of the indigenous people of North America varies greatly across different tribes and regions.
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The museum has an impressive collection of indigenous art from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Usage
The term “indigenous” is commonly used to refer to people, animals, plants, or customs that are native to a particular place or region. In many cases, the term is used to describe the original inhabitants of a place, particularly in reference to colonized lands. For example, the indigenous peoples of North America, often referred to as Native Americans or American Indians, were the original inhabitants of the continent before European colonization.
The word “indigenous” is also often used in the context of environmental conservation to refer to plants and animals that are native to a particular ecosystem. For example, an ecologist studying the Amazon rainforest might refer to the indigenous flora and fauna of the region as a way of emphasizing their importance to the ecosystem.
The term “indigenous” can also be used to describe customs or traditions that are specific to a particular culture or region. For example, the indigenous music and dance of the Maori people of New Zealand, or the indigenous weaving techniques of the Navajo people of North America.
The word “indigenous” is derived from the Latin word “indigena,” which means “sprung from the land.” The prefix “in-” means “in” or “on,” and the root “dign” comes from the Latin “dignus,” meaning “worthy” or “appropriate.” Other related words include “indigene,” “indigenousness,” and “indigenization.”
In summary, the word “indigenous” is used to describe something or someone that is native to a particular place or region. It is a versatile term that can be used to describe people, animals, plants, customs, and more, and is often used in the context of environmental conservation and cultural studies. Understanding the root and related words can help to deepen one’s understanding of the term’s meaning and usage.