Natural: meaning, definitions and examples

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natural

[ˈnætʃərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

environment

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

Synonyms

inherent, innate, native, organic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
natural	Describing something that exists or occurs in nature without human intervention. Also used to describe someone's behavior or talent that seems effortless. The natural beauty of the mountains is breathtaking. He has a natural ability for playing the piano.
organic	Used to refer to food or farming methods that do not involve synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Can also describe something that grows or develops in a natural, complex way. They buy only organic fruits and vegetables. The company's growth was organic rather than forced.
inherent	Highlighting a permanent, essential quality or characteristic that is a fundamental part of something. The risks are inherent in any investment. Her inherent kindness makes her very approachable.
innate	Referring to qualities or abilities that one is born with, rather than those acquired or learned. Often used to speak about traits. She has an innate sense of rhythm. His fear of heights seems to be innate.
native	Describing someone who was born in a particular place, or something that originates from a particular place. She is a native French speaker. These plants are native to the tropical rainforest.

Examples of usage

The natural beauty of the landscape was breathtaking.
The company is committed to using natural ingredients in their products.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ability

An innate or inborn quality or ability.

Synonyms

aptitude, gift, talent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
natural	When describing someone who effortlessly excels at something without formal training. She's a natural at painting He is a natural leader, always knowing how to motivate the team
talent	When talking about a person’s strong natural ability, particularly in arts, sports, or creative fields. Her talent in dance is truly remarkable We need to nurture his talent for coding
gift	When emphasizing that a person's exceptional ability seems like a special or rare endowment, often with a sense of awe or gratitude. He has a gift for playing the piano Her gift for storytelling captivates everyone
aptitude	When referring to someone's inherent ability to learn or excel in a particular area, often used in academic or professional contexts. Her aptitude for mathematics was evident from an early age The test measures your aptitude in various skills

Examples of usage

She has a natural talent for singing.
His natural gift for languages allowed him to easily pick up new languages.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

state

A person regarded as having an innate gift or talent for a particular task or activity.

Synonyms

expert, master, pro.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
natural	Used for someone who has an innate talent or ease in a particular activity without needing extensive training. He's a natural at playing the piano She picked up skating quickly; she's really a natural
expert	Refers to someone who has a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area because of extensive experience and training. She is an expert in cybersecurity They consulted an expert to solve the problem
master	Used for someone who has reached the highest level of proficiency and control in a skill or field, often after many years of practice. He is a master chef with decades of experience The artist is a master of detailed portraits
pro	Short for professional, it is used to describe someone who gets paid for their skill and performs at a high level, often in sports or entertainment. He turned pro after winning the championship She's a pro golfer

Examples of usage

He is a natural at public speaking.
She was a natural on the dance floor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word traces back to the Latin 'natura', which means essential qualities and inherent features.
In ancient times, it was used to describe the way things arise or come into existence in the world.
As language evolved, 'natural' began to encompass a broader range of meanings, including typical or usual characteristics.

Science

In ecology, 'natural' refers to ecosystems that thrive without human intervention, showcasing the balance of life.
The concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin, explains how species evolve over time based on characteristics that enhance survival.
Natural phenomena like earthquakes and tornadoes are powerful reminders of Earth's dynamic forces at work.

Cultural Perspectives

Many indigenous cultures view nature as sacred, emphasizing a deep respect and relationship with the natural world.
The rise of the organic movement in the 20th century highlighted a preference for natural foods and products, avoiding synthetic additives.
Art movements such as Romanticism celebrated natural beauty and the emotional connection humans have with landscapes.

Health and Wellness

Natural remedies, derived from plants and herbs, have been used for centuries as alternatives to modern medicine.
Mindfulness and meditation practices often emphasize being 'in the moment' and connected with nature for mental well-being.
The holistic health approach frequently integrates natural elements, suggesting that balance from nature supports physical and emotional health.

Literature

In poetry and prose, the juxtaposition of natural settings often symbolizes freedom and the simplicity of life.
Nature has been a central theme in works by authors like Emerson and Thoreau, who explored the human experience in connection with the environment.
Many children's stories incorporate elements of nature, presenting 'natural' characters like animals to teach values and lessons.

Translations

Translations of the word "natural" in other languages:

🇵🇹 natural

🇮🇳 प्राकृतिक

🇩🇪 natürlich

🇮🇩 alami

🇺🇦 природний

🇵🇱 naturalny

🇯🇵 自然の (shizen no)

🇫🇷 naturel

🇪🇸 natural

🇹🇷 doğal

🇰🇷 자연의 (jayeon-ui)

🇸🇦 طبيعي (tabi'i)

🇨🇿 přirozený

🇸🇰 prirodzený

🇨🇳 自然的 (zìrán de)

🇸🇮 naraven

🇮🇸 náttúrulegur

🇰🇿 табиғи

🇬🇪 ბუნებრივი (bunebrivi)

🇦🇿 təbii

🇲🇽 natural

Word Frequency Rank

With position #437, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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434 close
435 operation
436 language
437 natural
438 why
439 management
440 keep
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