What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
born
Example
She was born in France and later moved to the United States. [born: past participle]
Example
He was a born musician, playing the piano effortlessly. [born: adjective]
native
Example
The native plants of this region are well-adapted to the local climate. [native: adjective]
Example
English is her native language, but she also speaks Spanish fluently. [native: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Native is more commonly used than born in everyday language. Native is versatile and can be used to describe various aspects of someone's origin or connection to a specific place, while born is more specific and often used in formal or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between born and native?
While born is typically used in formal or medical contexts, native is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal situations. Native is commonly used to describe someone's language or cultural background.
