Natural
/ˈnætʃərəl/
Definitions
4 meaningsExisting in or formed by nature, not artificial or man-made.
/ˈnætʃərəl/
Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humans.
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder.
💡 Simply: Imagine a beautiful, untouched forest. That's natural! It's like, the opposite of a plastic toy or a city made of buildings. It's what happens without any help from people.
👶 For kids: Something that grows or happens all by itself, like a tree or the rain!
More Examples
This river is a natural boundary between the two countries.
Natural gas is an important source of energy.
How It's Used
"Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction."
"The park features many natural wonders, including waterfalls and forests."
In accordance with the usual course of things; expected or normal.
/ˈnætʃərəl/
In accordance with nature; normal or expected.
It is natural for babies to cry.
💡 Simply: If something feels like it's supposed to happen, like it's the usual way things go, it's natural. Like, it's natural to be sleepy at bedtime.
👶 For kids: Something that's normal or what you would expect, like when you feel happy or sad!
More Examples
A natural response to fear is to run.
It's natural for people to want to be happy.
How It's Used
"It is natural for children to have a high energy level."
"Her reaction was perfectly natural under the circumstances."
Possessed by someone as an inherent characteristic or ability.
/ˈnætʃərəl/
Having an inherent character or quality.
He's a natural leader.
💡 Simply: If you're really good at something, without even trying too hard, it's natural to you. Like, if you can draw amazing pictures without taking any art classes, you're a natural artist!
👶 For kids: Something you're really good at without even trying, like dancing or singing!
More Examples
She has a natural ability to connect with people.
A natural talent for painting.
How It's Used
"She is a natural athlete."
"He had a natural talent for music."
Derived from nature; not containing artificial substances.
/ˈnætʃərəl/
Related to or derived from nature.
I prefer natural ingredients in my skincare products.
💡 Simply: If something is made from things found in nature, like fruits and veggies, or without any weird added stuff, it's natural! It's like eating an apple instead of a candy bar.
👶 For kids: Something made from things from nature, like a fruit or a plant!
More Examples
The juice is made from 100% natural fruit.
Natural remedies are often preferred over synthetic medications.
How It's Used
"They prefer to eat natural foods."
"Natural beauty products are becoming more popular."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
by nature
Because of someone's character or temperament.
"She is, by nature, a very shy person."
natural selection
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
"Natural selection is a key concept in evolutionary biology."
natural disaster
A natural event, such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane, that causes great damage or loss of life.
"The country was devastated by a natural disaster."
From Middle English naturel, from Old French naturel, from Latin naturalis ('by birth, in accordance with nature'), from natura ('nature').
The word 'natural' has been used since the 14th century, initially to describe things in accordance with the laws of nature.
Memory tip
Think of untouched forests and wild animals – things that are naturally occurring.
Word Origin
"birth, nature"