Dictionary: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.
What is the difference to "native"?
indigenous
Re: indigenous
Of course, ‘native’ is used in many other senses. But in the way we’re talking about, here is the OED:
Native:
Born in a designated place; belonging to a particular people by birth; spec. belonging to an indigenous ethnic group, as distinguished from foreigners, esp. European colonists.
Indigenous:
Born or originating in a particular place; spec. (now often with capital initial) designating a people or group inhabiting a place before the arrival of (European) settlers or colonizers. Also with to introducing the place in question.
Synonyms, I’d say, although wiser heads might discern a distinction.
Native:
Born in a designated place; belonging to a particular people by birth; spec. belonging to an indigenous ethnic group, as distinguished from foreigners, esp. European colonists.
Indigenous:
Born or originating in a particular place; spec. (now often with capital initial) designating a people or group inhabiting a place before the arrival of (European) settlers or colonizers. Also with to introducing the place in question.
Synonyms, I’d say, although wiser heads might discern a distinction.
- Slava
- Great Grand Panjandrum
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Re: indigenous
The difference is in how one uses them, and in capitalization. Having been born there, I may be able to say I'm a native American; but, not being of an indigenous group, I can't say I'm a Native American.
Plants and animals are called native to an area, never, or very seldom, indigenous.
Plants and animals are called native to an area, never, or very seldom, indigenous.
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.
Re: indigenous
Don’t know about frequency of use, but the OED gives virtually the same definition for “plants, animals, natural products, etc.: originating in or belonging to a particular country or region; of native origin, production, or growth; not introduced from elsewhere.”
And that usage is not noted as archaic, obsolete, or rare.
And that usage is not noted as archaic, obsolete, or rare.
- Slava
- Great Grand Panjandrum
- Posts: 8145
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:31 am
- Location: Finger Lakes, NY
Re: indigenous
That was meant to be read as 'indigenous' is seldom or rarely used. 'Native' is the usual term. Sorry for the confusion.
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.
Re: indigenous
I guess you’re right. ‘Indigenous’ is more ‘reading vocabulary’ than ‘speaking vocabulary’. The OED does rate them equally in ‘Frequency (in current use)’.
All the best in the new year.
All the best in the new year.
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