aborigines
LowHistorical, Anthropological, Formal, Potentially Offensive
Definition
Meaning
The original inhabitants of a country or region, especially referring to the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
Often used historically or in anthropological contexts to describe the first known human inhabitants of any land. In modern usage, it is often considered outdated or potentially offensive when referring to living peoples; 'Indigenous peoples' or specific group names (e.g., Aboriginal Australians) are preferred.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term originates from Latin 'ab origine' ('from the beginning'). While it can technically refer to any region's original inhabitants, its dominant modern association is with Australia. The singular 'aborigine' is rare and often avoided.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties understand the term, but its use has declined similarly in both due to evolving sensitivities. Slightly more likely to be encountered in older British texts on anthropology or colonial history.
Connotations
Increasingly carries colonial overtones. Can be perceived as dehumanizing or lumping diverse cultures into a single label.
Frequency
Very low in contemporary speech and writing outside of specific historical or legal citations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] + Aborigines + of + [region][Adjective] + aboriginesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “from time immemorial (associated concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used cautiously in historical, anthropological, or legal texts, often in quotes or discussions of terminology. Modern scholarship prefers specific ethnonyms.
Everyday
Generally avoided due to potential offense. 'Aboriginal people(s)' or 'Indigenous Australians' are common contemporary alternatives.
Technical
Found in older taxonomic names (e.g., 'Homo sapiens aborigines' in outdated classifications).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This land belongs to the Aborigines.
- The museum has an exhibition on the art of the Australian Aborigines.
- Early European settlers often failed to understand the complex social systems of the continent's aborigines.
- The term 'aborigines', while historically entrenched in anthropological literature, is now increasingly superseded by more precise and respectful nomenclature that acknowledges the sovereignty and diversity of Indigenous nations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'AB-ORIGIN-als' – the people who were there from the ABsolute ORIGIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLES ARE PLANTS (rooted in the land).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Прямой перевод "аборигены" является стилистически нейтральным и распространенным в русском, но не передаёт потенциально оскорбительного оттенка английского "aborigines". В современном английском требуется большая осторожность.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'aborigine' as a singular countable noun for a person (prefer 'Aboriginal person').
- Using 'aborigines' without a capital 'A' when referring specifically to Australian Indigenous peoples.
- Using the term for contemporary contexts without awareness of its implications.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate contemporary term in Australian context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not generally. It is often considered outdated, impersonal, and can be offensive as it homogenises diverse cultures. Using 'Indigenous peoples', 'Aboriginal peoples', or specific nation names is preferred.
'Aborigines' is a noun that categorises a group. 'Aboriginal' is an adjective (e.g., Aboriginal people, Aboriginal art). Using the adjective form followed by 'people' or 'peoples' is generally seen as more respectful.
Historically and technically, yes (e.g., 'the aborigines of the Amazon'), but this usage is now very rare and often considered inappropriate. 'Indigenous people(s) of [region]' is the standard term.
Yes, when referring specifically to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, it is conventionally capitalised: 'Australian Aborigines'. The lowercase form ('aborigines') is the generic, historical term.