Aboriginal
Definition
Inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
- IPA Pronunciation:
- American: /ˌæb.əˈrɪdʒ.ə.nəl/
- British: /ˌæb.əˈrɪdʒ.ɪ.nəl/
- Respelling:
- American: ab-uh-RIJ-uh-nuhl
- British: ab-uh-RIJ-ih-nuhl
Etymology
The term originates from the Latin word "ab origine", which means "from the beginning" or "from the origin".
Derivatives
- Aboriginality
- Aboriginalism
- Aborigine
- Aboriginally
- Aboriginalize
Synonyms
- Indigenous
- Native
- First Nations (in specific contexts, e.g., Canada)
Antonyms
Usage
- "The Aboriginal cultures of Australia have a rich history spanning tens of thousands of years."
- "He explored the art forms native to the Aboriginal peoples of the region."
Related Terms
- Indigenous
- Tribe
- Pre-colonial
- Ancient
- Original inhabitants
Detailed Definition
Adjective:
- Of or relating to the original inhabitants of a place.
- Example: "The Aboriginal art forms of Australia are deeply connected to the land and its history."
- Being the first of its kind in a region; primitive or native.
- Example: "The plant is aboriginal to this region, growing here long before any other species."
Noun:
- An original inhabitant of a region, especially referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia.
- Example: "The Aboriginals have a cultural history that dates back over 40,000 years."