natural

/ˈnætʃərəl/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. Existing in or produced by nature rather than made or caused by human beings.

    • The island is known for its natural beauty and untouched coastline.

    • Are these fibers synthetic, or did you use natural wool?

  2. Conforming to the usual course of things, or reasonably expected under the circumstances.

    • It is entirely natural to feel nervous before giving an important presentation.

    • Didn't you think her reaction was a perfectly natural response to the news?

  3. Possessing a talent or quality inherently rather than through deliberate training or effort.

    • She is a natural leader who easily inspires confidence in her colleagues.

    • Was he always such a natural storyteller, even as a child?

  4. Relaxed and real, not forced or pretended.

    • She has a warm, natural smile that puts people at ease.

    • Try to sound natural when you read the script out loud.

Collocations

  • natural resources
  • natural disaster
  • natural habitat
  • natural progression
  • natural consequence
  • natural talent
  • natural ability
  • natural smile

Synonyms

  • organic
  • understandable
  • normal
  • instinctive
  • innate

Antonyms

  • artificial
  • synthetic
  • unnatural

Idioms

  • natural causes

    death by disease or old age rather than accident or violence

    The coroner confirmed that the elderly writer had died of natural causes.

  • in one's natural element

    in a situation or environment where one thrives and feels comfortable

    Out on the hiking trail, she looked entirely in her natural element.