return of the native, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary; used as a cultural reference in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “return of the native, the” mean?
The title of a novel by Thomas Hardy (1878).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of a novel by Thomas Hardy (1878).
Used to refer to a dramatic or significant reappearance of a person in their place of origin after a long absence, especially one laden with complications, social expectations, or symbolic meaning. Can metaphorically describe the reintroduction of a long-forgotten idea, trend, or species into its original context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the reference is immediately recognisable as a Hardy novel. In the US, it may be known primarily in academic/literary circles. Both use it generically.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with Hardy, Wessex, and 19th-century rural tragedy. US: May be used more loosely for any dramatic homecoming, with less specific literary weight.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions, but higher in UK literary/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “return of the native, the” in a Sentence
The phrase often functions as a noun phrase in apposition: 'His homecoming was a veritable return of the native.'Used with verbs like 'resemble', 'echo', 'recall', 're-enact'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “return of the native, the” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The novel 'The Return of the Native' dramatises what happens when one returns.
- He returned to his native heath.
American English
- The movie plot revolves around the protagonist returning to his native town.
- She returned to her native state after decades away.
adjective
British English
- It was a return-of-the-native moment, filled with bittersweet recognition.
American English
- The ceremony had a return-of-the-native vibe, honoring those coming back home.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe a CEO returning to lead the company they founded.
Academic
Common in literature studies; used in sociology/anthropology to discuss migration and identity.
Everyday
Used metaphorically: 'After ten years in London, his move back to the village felt like the return of the native.'
Technical
In ecology: 'The rewilding project aimed for the return of the native lynx population.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “return of the native, the”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “return of the native, the”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “return of the native, the”
- Incorrect article: 'Return of native' (missing 'the').
- Capitalisation: Not capitalising when referring specifically to the novel.
- Misinterpretation: Thinking it refers to a generic 'native' person rather than a specific person returning to their native land.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a book title, but it is commonly used as a metaphorical phrase to describe any significant, often problematic, return to one's origins.
In the novel, it primarily refers to Clym Yeobright, who returns to Egdon Heath after working in Paris, but also applies to other characters like Damon Wildeve.
No, it's a literary reference. It might be used by educated speakers in specific contexts, but it's not a high-frequency everyday expression.
Themes include the conflict between individual aspiration and environmental/social constraints, fate, nostalgia, the inescapability of the past, and the often tragic gap between expectation and reality upon returning home.
The title of a novel by Thomas Hardy (1878).
Return of the native, the is usually literary; used as a cultural reference in both formal and semi-formal contexts. in register.
Return of the native, the: in British English it is pronounced /ðə rɪˈtɜːn əv ðə ˈneɪtɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ðə rɪˈtɜːrn əv ðə ˈneɪt̬ɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Prodigal Son return (biblical, more specific)”
- “Back to one's roots”
- “Full circle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Hardy's native heath + a character's return = The Return of the Native.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (a specific, circular journey of departure and return). THE PAST IS A PLACE (one can return to it).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of using the phrase 'a return of the native' metaphorically?