aborigines

The aborigines lived in harmony with the land.

Definition

1. Noun (plural only; used with plural verb):
   • Original inhabitants of a region: "aborigines" refers to the earliest known people to live in a particular place, especially before the arrival of colonizers or settlers.
   • Indigenous ethnic group: In a specific sense, "Aborigines" (often capitalized) refers to the indigenous peoples of Australia.

Usage Examples

• (The original inhabitants of Tasmania.)
• (Indigenous people maintaining their heritage.)
• (The native people of that region.)

Advanced Usage

• "aborigines of a place": a formal phrase meaning the native or original inhabitants.

  • The aborigines of the island had no contact with the outside world until the 18th century. (The first people to live there.)

• "the Aborigines" (capitalized): specifically refers to the indigenous peoples of Australia.

  • The Aborigines have a rich oral tradition and deep spiritual connection to the land. (Australian indigenous peoples.)

Variants and Related Words

• Aboriginal (adj): relating to the original inhabitants of a region.

  • Aboriginal art is known for its dot paintings and dreamtime stories. (Art of the original people.)

• Aborigine (n, singular): a single member of an aboriginal group. (Note: "Aborigine" is sometimes considered dated or offensive; "Aboriginal person" is often preferred.)

  • He was an Aborigine from the Northern Territory. (An indigenous Australian person.)

Synonyms

• Natives: original inhabitants of a place.
• Indigenous people: people who have lived in a region since before colonization.
• Autochthons: (formal, academic) people who are native to a land, not immigrants.

Related Idioms

• "native to the soil": a phrase meaning original or indigenous.
  • The tribe is native to the soil of this valley. (They have always lived here.)

Notes on Usage

• The term "aborigines" is often used in historical or anthropological contexts. In modern usage, especially in Australia, "Aboriginal people" or "Aboriginal Australians" is preferred over "Aborigines" as the latter can be perceived as colonial or impersonal. Always use respectful terminology when referring to living communities.