What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indigenous
Example
The indigenous people of Australia have a rich cultural heritage. [indigenous: adjective]
Example
The plant species is indigenous to this area and cannot be found anywhere else. [indigenous: adjective]
native
Example
She is a native of New York City. [native: noun]
Example
The bird species is native to this region and can be found in abundance. [native: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Native is more commonly used than indigenous in everyday language. Native is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while indigenous is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indigenous and native?
Indigenous is typically associated with a more formal and academic tone, while native is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
