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natural

/ˈnætʃəɹəl/

AdjectiveNoun

This term operates on a spectrum between the biological and the behavioral. When applied to the physical world, it distinguishes organic processes from synthetic ones, emphasizing a lack of human intervention or chemical manipulation. In a social or psychological sense, the word shifts to describe authenticity and instinct. It describes a state of being where effort is invisible, whether that refers to an innate talent or an emotional response that aligns with common human experience.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a chaotic living room
Eleanor

KAREN I THINK THE KIDS LOOK NATURAL IN THOSE OUTFITS

Eleanor
Karen
Karen

They look like they rolled out of a dumpster, Eleanor.

💡
Eleanor is using natural to mean effortless or relaxed, while Karen views the lack of grooming as a failure of parenting.

Meanings

Adjectiveorganic

Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.

"The natural beauty of the landscape is breathtaking."

Adjectiveinnate

Having an innate aptitude or an intuitive skill for something.

"She is a natural pianist who barely needed lessons."

Adjectivenormal

Consistent with the normal course of events or expected behavior.

"It is natural to feel nervous before a first date."

Adjectiveunaffected

Not artificial or unnatural in manner or appearance.

"His reaction seemed completely natural and sincere."

Adjectiveunaltered note

Derived from plants or minerals rather than synthetic chemicals.

"The soap is made from natural ingredients."

Adjective

In music, a note that is neither sharp nor flat.

"The piece concludes on a C natural."

Noun

A person who has an innate talent for a particular activity.

"He is a natural at golf."

Examples

The island is famous for its natural beauty.

God, look at those natural rock formations over there!

It is perfectly natural to feel nervous before a first date.

Look, it is natural to be scared when you are alone!

She has a very natural acting style that feels authentic.

Just be natural, okay? Don't let him see you sweating!

He has never had a lesson, but he is a complete natural.

Wait, you just picked up the violin? You're a natural!

Collocations & Compounds

natural disaster

a catastrophic event caused by nature

The region is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes.

natural habitat

the environment where a species normally lives

The rainforest is the natural habitat of the orangutan.

natural selection

the process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive

Darwin's theory of natural selection explains evolution.

natural resources

materials such as minerals and forests that occur naturally

The country is wealthy in natural resources.

natural talent

an innate ability to do something well

She has a natural talent for playing the piano.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'natural', originating from Old French 'naturel', which traces back to the Latin 'naturalis' ('pertaining to nature'), from 'natura' ('nature, innate character'), and further from 'nasci' ('to be born').

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error