national

[ˈnæʃənəl]

national Definition

  • 1relating to or characteristic of a nation; common to a whole nation
  • 2owned, controlled, or financially supported by the government of a country

Using national: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "national" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The national anthem is played before every sports game.

  • Example

    The national park is a popular tourist destination.

  • Example

    The national debt has reached an all-time high.

  • Example

    The national government has implemented new policies.

national Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for national

Antonyms for national

Idioms Using national

  • to expand a business or product to a national level

    Example

    After the success of their local restaurant, they decided to go national and open locations across the country.

  • a person or thing that is highly valued and considered important to a country's cultural heritage

    Example

    The author is considered a national treasure for his contributions to literature.

  • an activity or sport that is widely enjoyed by the people of a country

    Example

    Baseball is often referred to as the national pastime of the United States.

Phrases with national

  • the protection of a country's borders, citizens, and institutions against external threats such as terrorism, espionage, and cyberattacks

    Example

    The government has increased funding for national security measures.

  • a sense of belonging and shared culture among the people of a country

    Example

    The celebration of Independence Day is an important part of our national identity.

  • a day that is recognized by a country as a public holiday

    Example

    Christmas is a national holiday in many countries around the world.

Origins of national

from Latin 'natio', meaning 'birth, origin, race'

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Summary: national in Brief

The term 'national' [ˈnæʃənəl] refers to something that is related to or characteristic of a whole nation, often owned or controlled by the government. Examples include the national anthem, national parks, and national debt. Phrases like 'national security' and idioms like 'go national' are also common. 'National' is the opposite of 'local' or 'regional,' and can be formal or informal depending on the context.

How do native speakers use this expression?