English Reference

Word

natively

Phoneticsna·tive·ly, stress on the first syllable

/ˈneɪtɪvɫi/

Adverb of manner

Definition

adv. in the way you speak or act because it is your first language or home place. In computing, it means software runs directly on a device without extra help.

adv. by birth or origin in a particular place, or as an inherent quality rather than something learned. In computing, running directly on the underlying hardware or operating system without emulation or translation.

Examples

“She speaks Spanish natively and teaches beginners online.”

“The new app runs natively on both phones and laptops, so it opens faster and uses less battery.”

“Although the software was first built for one system, the latest version runs natively across several platforms, avoiding the slowdowns that come with emulation.”

Examples

simple

“She speaks Spanish natively and teaches beginners online.”

contextual

“The new app runs natively on both phones and laptops, so it opens faster and uses less battery.”

complex

“Although the software was first built for one system, the latest version runs natively across several platforms, avoiding the slowdowns that come with emulation.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “natively” in context.

Verb

01. grow natively in

“These orchids grow natively in the forests of Borneo.”

verb + adverb + prep

02. occur natively in

“Koalas occur natively in eastern Australia only.”

verb + adverb + prep

03. render natively

“The browser renders natively without needing extra plugins.”

verb + adverb

04. run natively

“This game runs natively on Windows without an emulator.”

verb + adverb

Adjective

05. natively bilingual

“Raised in Montreal, the children are natively bilingual in French and English.”

adverb + adjective

06. natively compatible

“The new video format is natively compatible with most browsers.”

adverb + adjective

07. natively fluent

“After ten years abroad, she still sounds natively fluent in Korean.”

adverb + adjective

Noun

08. natively compiled

“The app is natively compiled for faster performance on this chip.”

adverb + participle

09. natively integrated

“The translator is natively integrated into the operating system.”

adverb + participle

10. grow natively in the wild

“This flower still grows natively in the wild in South Africa.”

11. run natively on device

“The software runs natively on device, so no emulator is needed.”

12. sound natively fluent

“After a year in London, he started to sound natively fluent.”

Usage

Typically placed after the verb it modifies.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

natively(B2)

Related words

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/natively

English Reference