Naturalist: meaning, definitions and examples

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naturalist

 

[ ˈnætʃ(ə)rəlɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

study of nature

A naturalist is a person who studies and observes plants, animals, and other aspects of the natural world.

Synonyms

biologist, botanist, zoologist.

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Word Description / Examples
naturalist

Used to describe someone who studies or observes living organisms in their natural environment. Often used in the context of ecology, conservation, and nature observation.

  • The naturalist spent months observing the behavior of the wolves in the forest.
  • She became a naturalist because of her deep love for nature.
biologist

Describes a scientist who studies living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. Can work in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

  • The biologist researched the effects of pollution on marine life.
  • Biologists play a critical role in understanding diseases and developing new treatments.
botanist

Refers to a scientist who specializes in the study of plants. Commonly used when discussing plant biology, plant ecology, and horticulture.

  • The botanist discovered a new species of orchid in the rainforest.
  • As a botanist, she focused on the medicinal properties of various herbs.
zoologist

Describes a scientist who studies animals, including their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution. Often used when discussing animal biology, wildlife conservation, and ethology.

  • The zoologist gave a fascinating lecture on the migratory patterns of whales.
  • He decided to become a zoologist after learning about endangered species in school.

Examples of usage

  • Charles Darwin was a famous naturalist who developed the theory of evolution.
  • The naturalist spent hours in the forest, documenting the different species of birds.
  • The local naturalist society organizes field trips to explore the biodiversity of the region.
Context #2 | Noun

person who practices naturalism

In literature and art, a naturalist is someone who seeks to portray the world realistically and without idealization.

Synonyms

literalist, pragmatist, realist.

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Word Description / Examples
naturalist

Used when referring to someone who studies or is an expert in the field of natural history, especially in observing plants and animals in their natural environment.

  • Charles Darwin was a renowned naturalist who developed the theory of evolution.
  • The naturalist spent hours observing the birds in their natural habitat.
realist

Used to refer to someone who sees and accepts a situation as it is and deals with it practically, without being influenced by emotions or ideals.

  • As a realist, he knows that not every project will be successful, but that doesn't stop him from trying.
  • She has a realist's understanding of human nature.
pragmatist

Used when talking about someone who deals with things sensibly and realistically, based on practical considerations rather than theoretical ones.

  • She is a pragmatist when it comes to business decisions, always focusing on what works best.
  • A pragmatist approach helped him solve the problem quickly.
literalist

Used to describe someone who takes words and statements at their exact meaning, without interpreting or going beyond the words themselves.

  • A literalist might fail to understand the nuances of poetry and metaphor.
  • He is such a literalist that he missed the joke completely.

Examples of usage

  • The novel was written by a naturalist who depicted the harsh realities of urban life.
  • The artist's paintings reflect the naturalist movement of the 19th century.
  • Naturalist writers often focus on the struggles of ordinary people.

Translations

Translations of the word "naturalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 naturalista

🇮🇳 प्राकृतिकविद्

🇩🇪 Naturforscher

🇮🇩 naturalis

🇺🇦 натураліст

🇵🇱 naturalista

🇯🇵 博物学者 (hakubutsugakusha)

🇫🇷 naturaliste

🇪🇸 naturalista

🇹🇷 doğa bilimci

🇰🇷 자연주의자 (jayeonjuuija)

🇸🇦 عالم طبيعة (ʿālim ṭabīʿah)

🇨🇿 přírodovědec

🇸🇰 prírodovedec

🇨🇳 自然学家 (zìrán xuéjiā)

🇸🇮 naravoslovec

🇮🇸 náttúrufræðingur

🇰🇿 натуралист

🇬🇪 ნატურალისტი (nat'uralist'i)

🇦🇿 naturalist

🇲🇽 naturalista

Etymology

The term 'naturalist' dates back to the 14th century and originally referred to someone who studied natural history. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including those related to literature and art. Naturalists have played a significant role in advancing our understanding of the natural world and promoting environmental conservation.

See also: naturalism, naturalistic, naturalize, naturalness, supernatural, unnatural, unnaturally.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,454, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.