# ina

/ˈinə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ina
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a person's inner self or spirit. In some cultures, it refers to the mother or a female ancestor who protects the family.

For teachers: the internal essence or spirit of an individual; in specific Austronesian linguistic contexts, it denotes a mother or female progenitor.

## Examples

- She felt a deep connection to her ina.
- The traditional stories often speak of the ina as the guiding spirit of the household.
- Scholars of Austronesian mythology examine how the concept of ina transcends the biological mother to encompass a broader spiritual guardianship within the community.

## Usage notes

- Often used in specific cultural or anthropological contexts; may be capitalized when used as a title.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.