indigenous

[in-dij-uh-nuhs]

adjective

1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often followed byto ).

   the plants indigenous to Canada.

   Synonyms: natural, aboriginal, autochthonous
   Antonyms: exotic, foreign

2. Indigenous. relating to or being a people who are the original, earliest known inhabitants of a region, or are their descendants: the Indigenous languages of the Americas.

   the Indigenous Maori of New Zealand;

   the Indigenous languages of the Americas.

3. innate; inherent; natural (usually followed byto ).

   feelings indigenous to human beings.

indigenous

/ ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs, ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛnɪtɪ /

adjective

1. originating or occurring naturally (in a country, region, etc); native

2. innate (to); inherent (in)

indigenous

1. Native to a particular region or environment but occurring naturally in other places as well. The American black bear is indigenous to many different parts of North America.

2. Compare alien endemic

Other Word Forms

• indigenously adverb
• indigenousness noun
• indigenity noun
• nonindigenous adjective
• unindigenous adjective
• unindigenously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigenous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin indigen(a) “native, original inhabitant” ( indi-, by-form of in- in- ² ( indagate ) + -gena, derivative from base of gignere “to bring into being”; genital, genitor ) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigenous¹

C17: from Latin indigenus, from indigena indigene, from indi- in + gignere to beget

Example Sentences

Its tales are told by people from “across the Canadian Arctic,” frequently focusing on indigenous beliefs and ancient creatures not as scared of the modern world as one might think.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, criticism of the explorer’s treatment of indigenous peoples has grown in the years since.

Read more on Barron's

The academic, a research director at the North West University's school of tourism management, did acknowledge "that we need to honour indigenous heritage".

Read more on BBC

Galleries are increasingly showcasing indigenous and marginalised art, Ms Puri said, though more support is needed for students and emerging artists.

Read more on BBC

The charcoal is used by indigenous households as a fuel source.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• congenital 
• connate 
• constitutional 
• essential 
• fundamental 
• inborn 
• inherent 
• inherited 
• innate 
• intrinsic 
• natural 
• unacquired www.thesaurus.com