n.
Pronunciation: ' na-ch ə -r ə l, ' nach-r ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French naturel, from Latin naturalis of nature, from natura nature
Date: 14th century
1 : based on an inherent sense of right and wrong < natural justice>
2 a : being in accordance with or determined by nature b : having or constituting a classification based on features existing in nature
3 a (1) : begotten as distinguished from adopted also : LEGITIMATE (2) : being a relation by actual consanguinity as distinguished from adoption < natural parents> b : ILLEGITIMATE <a natural child>
4 : having an essential relation with someone or something : following from the nature of the one in question <his guilt is a natural deduction from the evidence>
5 : implanted or being as if implanted by nature : seemingly inborn <a natural talent for art>
6 : of or relating to nature as an object of study and research
7 : having a specified character by nature <a natural athlete>
8 a : occurring in conformity with the ordinary course of nature : not marvelous or supernatural < natural causes> b : formulated by human reason alone rather than revelation < natural religion> < natural rights> c : having a normal or usual character <events followed their natural course>
9 : possessing or exhibiting the higher qualities (as kindliness and affection) of human nature <a noble ⋯ brother ⋯ ever most kind and natural ― Shakespeare>
10 a : growing without human care also : not cultivated < natural prairie unbroken by the plow> b : existing in or produced by nature : not artificial < natural turf> < natural curiosities> c : relating to or being natural food
11 a : being in a state of nature without spiritual enlightenment : UNREGENERATE < natural man> b : living in or as if in a state of nature untouched by the influences of civilization and society
12 a : having a physical or real existence as contrasted with one that is spiritual, intellectual, or fictitious <a corporation is a legal but not a natural person> b : of, relating to, or operating in the physical as opposed to the spiritual world < natural laws describe phenomena of the physical universe>
13 a : closely resembling an original : true to nature b : marked by easy simplicity and freedom from artificiality, affectation, or constraint c : having a form or appearance found in nature
14 a : having neither flats nor sharps <the natural scale of C major> b : being neither sharp nor flat c : having the pitch modified by the natural sign
15 : of an off-white or beige color
– nat · u · ral · ness \ -n ə s \ noun
synonyms NATURAL , INGENUOUS , NAIVE , UNSOPHISTICATED , ARTLESS mean free from pretension or calculation. NATURAL implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world <her unaffected, natural manner>. INGENUOUS implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions <the ingenuous enthusiasm of children>. NAIVE suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence <politically naive >. UNSOPHISTICATED implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness < unsophisticated adolescents>. ARTLESS suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others < artless charm>. synonym see in addition REGULAR