Definition of native

The word "native" originates from the Old French word "nahi," which meant "born" or "brought forth." This word eventually evolved into the Middle English term "natiue," which referred to someone who was born or raised in a specific place. The word "native" in its current form, meaning someone who is naturally or originally from a place, emerged in the mid-16th century. It is derived from the Latin root "nasci," which also means "to be born." Initially, the term "native" was used to refer to people indigenous to a particular region or area, particularly in the context of colonization. In this sense, it distinguished those who had been born and raised in a specific place from newcomers or immigrants. However, the use of the word "native" to describe indigenous peoples has been criticized and deemed derogatory by some, as it can imply a sense of inferiority or otherness. It has become a source of controversy, with some indigenous communities preferring to be referred to by their own traditional terms or simply as people from specific regions. Despite this controversy, the term "native" remains in common use to describe someone who is born or brought up in a particular place, whether it's a country, region, or community.