French word

indigène

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃diʒɛn/

Meaning

  • adjectivenative

Example

Cette espèce est indigène de cette île.

This species is native to this island.

Illustration for indigène (native)

More examples

Les peuples indigènes défendent leurs terres.

Indigenous peoples defend their lands.

Core concept

Something naturally belonging to the land where it first arose, set against an outside arrival.

Common phrases

  • peuple indigène

    Indigenous people

  • espèce indigène

    native species

  • plante indigène

    native plant

Similar words

autochtone: Long established in a place and tied to its traditions and way of life.
originaire: Originating from or coming from a particular place.
natif: Native by birth to a particular place or environment.

Definition in French

Qui est né ou vit naturellement dans un lieu; s'emploie pour des peuples, des personnes ou des espèces propres au territoire.

Word origin

Indigène is a learned French continuation of Latin indigena, "born in the country," from in- "in" and gignere "to beget."

Usage tips

  • For people, autochtone can be a more neutral formal choice in contexts where indigène carries historical or colonial overtones.

Opposites

Word lists with this word