naturalness
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈætʃərəlnəs/
US
- /nˈætʃərəlnəs/
Description
- Genuine
- Authentic
- Unforced
- Ease
Naturalness is not mainly about forests, mountains, or anything that comes from nature, though it can feel connected to that idea. It is more about being real, easy, and not forced. A real smile reaches the eyes; a good conversation moves along without strain. Think of a skilled musician who makes playing look easy: that is naturalness in action. Sometimes people try to find it by relaxing and being themselves. Other times, it is simply there, like a river finding its way.
Think of a well-written story: even if magical things happen in it, it can still feel honest and true. Or picture someone giving a speech. If the speaker seems calm, sincere, and comfortable, you feel that sense of naturalness. In the end, it is about being true to yourself or true to the thing itself.
Naturalness is a quality that describes things that appear genuine, authentic, and unforced. It's more than just being "natural" in the sense of existing in nature; it speaks to an inherent ease and lack of artificiality. Think about a child playing—their joy is often characterized by pure naturalness, free from self-consciousness or pretense.
The concept applies across many contexts. In art, naturalness refers to a realistic portrayal that doesn't feel contrived or overly stylized. A painter might strive for naturalness in depicting light and shadow, creating an image that feels lifelike. In social interactions, it means behaving honestly and openly, without putting on airs or trying too hard to impress. Someone with a natural manner can be engaging because they are comfortable being themselves.
Naturalness can also describe a state of being at ease with oneself or one's surroundings. A person who finds solace in nature might feel a sense of naturalness when hiking through the woods, as if they are perfectly aligned with their environment.
However, it's important to note that "natural" doesn't always mean "good." Sometimes, things can be naturally flawed or imperfect. But even those imperfections can contribute to a certain kind of raw, honest naturalness. The key is the absence of deliberate manipulation or artificiality.
So whether you're describing a person, a work of art, a conversation, or an environment, naturalness points to something that feels real, authentic, and unburdened by pretense—a quality we often deeply admire and seek in our lives.
Examples
- 1
Acting
The actor delivered the difficult lines with surprising naturalness.
- 2
Social warmth
Her smile had a naturalness that made everyone feel at ease.
- 3
Translation
The translation is accurate, but it lacks naturalness in English.
- 4
Public speaking
Good public speakers often practice a lot before they can speak with naturalness.
- 5
Voice technology
In the study, listeners rated the naturalness of the computer-generated voice.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- naturalnessnoun