WordGarden.ionatural
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈætʃərəl/
US
- /ˈnætʃərəl/
Meanings
Adjective
existing in nature or not made artificially
normal, expected, or easy in a way that feels inherent
Noun
a person with an inborn talent for something
a note or sign that cancels a sharp or flat
Beyond the definition
Something natural exists in the world without being made or caused by people. Think of a beautiful sunset, a rushing river, or the way a baby knows how to breathe and drink milk. It can also describe something that feels right and easy, like a natural talent for singing or a natural connection with someone. Sometimes, "natural" means "not artificial," like natural fibers in clothing compared with synthetic ones.
If you say someone has a natural charm, it means they aren't trying to be likable; it just comes easily to them. A natural disaster, on the other hand, isn't caused by humans—it's an event like an earthquake or hurricane. The word can also describe something that happens regularly as part of life: "It's natural to feel sad sometimes."
The word natural points to the world around us in its purest form. At its core, it means existing in or caused by nature, not made or changed by people. Think of a majestic mountain range: it is clearly natural. A natural spring provides water directly from the earth, untouched by human effort.
But "natural" isn't limited to landscapes. It also describes qualities and behaviors that are inherent and unforced. Someone with a natural aptitude for music doesn't need to struggle to learn; it comes easily. A natural leader inspires others without trying—their authority feels instinctive. We often use "natural" to contrast with something artificial or processed: natural honey versus refined sugar, or natural dyes versus synthetic ones.
The term also extends to processes that occur as a part of life. It's natural for children to be curious, and it's natural to experience a range of emotions—joy, sadness, and anger. However, "natural" can also describe powerful forces beyond our control: a natural disaster like a volcanic eruption or a tsunami.
So, whether you're describing the world around us, inherent abilities, or life's inevitable processes, natural speaks to authenticity, origin, and the fundamental rhythms of existence. It's about what is, rather than what is made.
Examples
- 1
Home lighting
The kitchen gets plenty of natural light in the morning.
- 2
Materials
She prefers clothes made from natural materials like cotton and wool.
- 3
Normal reaction
It's natural to feel nervous before an interview.
- Patternnatural to + verb
normal and expected
- 4
Talent
He has a natural talent for music.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Learned skill
After a few lessons, driving started to feel natural.
- 6
Spoken style
Try to sound natural when you read the dialogue aloud.
- 7
Obvious choice
It was a natural choice to ask Maya, because she knows the project best.
- 8
Innate ability
Don't worry about Ben on stage; he's a natural.
- 9
Resources
The country depends heavily on natural resources such as water and minerals.
- 10
Death cause
The doctor said his grandfather died of natural causes.
- Phrasenatural causes
illness or old age, not an accident or violence
- 11
Evolution
Darwin's theory of natural selection changed biology.
- Domainnatural selection
the process by which living things better suited to their environment survive and have offspring
See also
Similar
- naturally occurring
- organic
- unprocessed
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- natural resources
- natural ingredients
- natural habitat
- all-natural
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- naturalnounadjective
Forms
- naturalspluralnounadjective