indigenous

USAGE SUMMARY

'indigenous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people or plants and animals that are native to a region. For example, "The indigenous people of the Amazon Rainforest have long been embroiled in a struggle over land rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indigenous academic Marcia Langton, who spoke after Scullion, defended Forrest's recommendations.

The Guardian

The minister added that mining billionaire Andrew Forrest's review into Indigenous disadvantage was an "incredible document" but the government wasn't ready to implement its most contentious proposal – that all Australians receiving welfare should have their spending managed by government.

The Guardian

Langton said the lack of numeracy and literacy among Indigenous people is "a tragedy that grows year by year.

The Guardian

Scullion said a recent Facebook page he saw which contained racist abuse aimed at Indigenous people was proof that "we still haven't got it right in this country".

The Guardian

Is it OK for an imported culture to dominate indigenous culture?

The Guardian

Farc has been increasing its activities, including the killing of two unarmed members of the Nasa indigenous community and last week the capture of two soldiers after combat.

The Guardian

A group of Indigenous leaders and elders has branded as racist the South Australian government's decision to suspend the executive board of traditional landowners and appoint an administrator.

The Guardian

Along with Ben Shewry at Attica and Dan Hunter at Brae, Jock Zonfrillo of Orana in Adelaide is a leader of a new breed of chefs who have steered away from the country's Med and Thai obsessions to champion indigenous ingredients and flavours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kenny is being interviewed by Aboriginal photographer Wayne Quilliam, as part of a photographic exhibition soon to open at the United Nations in Geneva, exploring the race and gender discrimination experienced by Australian Indigenous women.

The Guardian - Arts

O'Connor says other issues have rankled with the voters of Indi: Mirabella's former relationship with an older man and questions about his will, and the "very hurt" Indigenous leaders upset with her for boycotting Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Guardian

King was appearing before a Senate committee inquiry into domestic violence in Darwin on Tuesday, which heard from numerous Northern Territory organisations about the extent of the issue in Indigenous communities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indigenous", ensure you are referring to the original inhabitants or things native to a specific region, not simply something that exists in that region now.

Common error

Avoid using "indigenous" to describe anything that is merely common or widespread in a region. It should specifically refer to what is native and original to that place.

Linguistic Context

The word "indigenous" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to specify that something or someone originates naturally in a particular place. As Ludwig AI indicates, it helps to identify the native elements of a region.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indigenous" is a powerful adjective used to denote the native or original inhabitants and characteristics of a specific region. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. When using "indigenous", remember that it should refer to the original and native elements, not just what is currently common or widespread. The term finds frequent application in news and media, often in discussions surrounding cultural heritage, land rights, and environmental issues. Keep in mind alternatives such as "native" or "aboriginal", but also understand their nuances for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

native

Focuses on being born or originating in a particular place.

aboriginal

Specifically refers to the earliest known inhabitants of a region, often Australia.

autochthonous

A more formal term indicating native origin or formation in the place where found.

endemic

Describes something (especially a disease or plant/animal species) native and restricted to a certain place.

native-born

Highlights the act of being born in a specific location.

original

Emphasizes being the first or earliest of its kind in a place.

local

Refers to belonging to or being connected with a particular area or neighborhood.

domestic

Indicates origin within a particular country or region, often used for animals or products.

home-grown

Implies local cultivation or development, often used in agriculture or business.

in-born

Describes something that is naturally present from birth, often referring to qualities or characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "indigenous" in a sentence?

You can use "indigenous" to describe people, plants, or animals that are native to a particular region. For example, "The "indigenous people" of Australia have a rich cultural history" or "This plant is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest".

What's a good alternative to using "indigenous"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "indigenous" include "native", "aboriginal" (particularly for Australia), or "endemic" (for species confined to a specific region).

Is it correct to use "indigenous" to describe something that's just common in a region?

No, "indigenous" should only be used to describe what is native and original to a place. If something is simply common, consider using words like "prevalent" or "widespread" instead.

What is the difference between "indigenous" and "native"?

"Indigenous" often carries a stronger connotation of being the original inhabitants or belonging to a tradition, while "native" more broadly indicates birth or origin in a place. While often interchangeable, "indigenous" is often used in discussions of cultural or historical significance.