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anchorite
Idioms for native
go native, Informal: Sometimes Offensive. to adopt the way of life of a place or environment that is different from one's own (sometimes used facetiously): After living on the island for a year, we went native and did without air conditioning just like the locals. I don’t usually drink alcohol, but at the frat party I went native and played beer pong with everyone else.
Origin of native
1325–75; < Latin nātīvus inborn, natural, equivalent to nāt(us) (past participle of nāscī to be born) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English natif (adj.) < Middle French < Latin, as above
SYNONYMS FOR native
24 aborigine.
usage note for native
When used to mean "an original inhabitant of a place or country," the noun native may be taken as offensive and has declined in use. Historically it is associated with colonialist attitudes: indigenous people, especially when nonwhite, were typically considered to be primitive or culturally inferior. Unlike the noun, the corresponding adjectival use of native is generally acceptable, as in Native American.
OTHER WORDS FROM native
Words nearby native
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for go native
native
/ (ˈneɪtɪv) /
adjective
noun
Derived forms of native
natively, adverbnativeness, nounWord Origin for native
C14: from Latin nātīvus innate, natural, from nascī to be born
usage for native
Because of its potentially offensive and colonial overtones, native as a noun without qualification is best avoided. It is however acceptable when modified, as in : natives of Edinburgh, or a native of North Carolina
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for go native
native
[ nā′tĭv ]
adj.
Originating, growing, or produced in a certain place or region; indigenous.
Occurring in nature pure or uncombined with other substances.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for go native
native
[ nā′tĭv ]
Living or growing naturally in a particular place or region; indigenous.
Occurring in nature on its own, uncombined with other substances. Copper and gold are often found in native form.
Of or relating to the naturally occurring conformation of a macromolecule, such as a protein.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with go native
go native
Adopt another people's way of life, especially that of a culture from a less developed country. For example, Ben's decided to go native, sleeping in a hammock and eating all kinds of strange foods. This expression is closely associated with the often contemptuous view British colonists had of indigenous peoples. [c. 1900]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.