indigenous
UK: ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs | US: ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs
adj. originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
adj. innate; inherent
indigenous = indi<within> + gen<birth/origin> + ous<adjective suffix>
- indi (from Latin indu- or in-, meaning "within" or "in")
- gen (from Latin gignere, meaning "to beget" or "origin")
- ous (adjective-forming suffix indicating possession or relation)
Etymology Origin:
The word indigenous traces back to Latin indigena, meaning "native" or "sprung from the land," combining indu- (within) and gen- (birth). It reflects the idea of something or someone inherently belonging to a place by birth or origin. Over time, it evolved to emphasize natural or innate connections to a specific environment, often used in ecological, anthropological, and cultural contexts.
The kangaroo is indigenous to Australia.
Indigenous cultures have deep knowledge of their local ecosystems.
The plant is indigenous to tropical rainforests.
Efforts are being made to preserve indigenous languages.
She studied the indigenous traditions of the region.