What does nonnative mean?
“Nonnative” describes something that originates outside a particular place, language, or natural environment. In discussions of language, a non-native speaker is someone who learned a language after acquiring another as their first language. In ecology, a non-native species is one that has been introduced into a region where it does not naturally occur, whether or not it causes harm. The word is widely used in education, public services, and environmental science because it identifies people or organisms in relation to a particular setting. It is related to native, ultimately from the Latin nativus, meaning “born” or “natural.” Although non-native can be used as a noun, the adjective is more common, and the phrase non-native speaker is usually the preferred form when discussing people.
Relating to a person who does not speak a particular language as their first language; relating to an organism found outside its natural range.
"The museum provides guides for non-native visitors and educational materials in several languages."
With people, non-native speaker or non-native English speaker is usually clearer than non-native alone. In biology, non-native is broader than invasive, which implies actual harm.
A person who is not a native speaker of a particular language.
"As a non-native in the country, she was often asked about differences between her language and the local one."
This noun form is less common and can sound less natural than the adjective; non-native speaker is often preferred.
From language to ecology, “non-native” marks something that has crossed a boundary: a person speaking an acquired language or a species living beyond its original range.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonnative come from?
The word combines the prefix non- with native, both of which ultimately relate to Latin nativus, meaning “born” or “natural.” The adjective has long been used in language-related contexts, while its ecological use developed as the study of introduced species expanded. Its formation follows the same pattern as many English compounds, with non- negating the sense of native.
Related word forms
How nonnative is actually used
When referring to people, non-native speaker is generally more precise and less potentially awkward than non-native alone. In ecology, non-native is often contrasted with native and may overlap with introduced, while the term invasive specifically denotes a non-native organism that causes ecological or economic harm.
Easily confused with nonnative
Alien can describe something foreign or outside a particular group or environment, whereas non-native usually refers to a person whose first language is different or to an organism introduced into a region.