What does natural mean?
Natural describes something that belongs to the physical world, follows the normal course of nature, or is not artificially produced or manipulated. Its core idea is authenticity: a natural landscape, material, process, or behavior arises without human contrivance. The word can also mean ordinary and expected, as in “a natural consequence,” or innate and instinctive, as in “a natural athlete.” In descriptions of speech or performance, natural often emphasizes spontaneity and freedom from affectation. These overlapping meanings give natural a generally positive tone, although the adjective can also be neutral when contrasting something with an artificial alternative. The related noun commonly denotes a person with obvious innate talent, while the adverb natural is an informal alternative to naturally. Natural appears in many established technical and everyday expressions, including natural resources, natural selection, natural light, and natural language. Its range makes it useful for describing both the natural world and qualities that seem effortless, authentic, or appropriate rather than forced.
Existing in or arising from nature rather than being artificial, forced, or man-made; also normal, typical, instinctive, or unaffected.
"The village is surrounded by natural woodland and open farmland."
The precise meaning varies by context: natural light refers to daylight, a natural reaction is an instinctive reaction, and a natural choice is an obvious choice.
A person who has evident innate talent or aptitude for a particular activity.
"The young violinist was a natural for the competition."
Chiefly informal, though established in British and US English.
In a natural, spontaneous, or unaffected manner.
"He can appear completely natural in front of a camera."
Informal and less common than the standard adverb naturally.
Used chiefly for people with innate talent or aptitude.
"The producer said the young dancers were all naturals."
Natural literally points to being born: its Latin ancestor natura grew from nasci, meaning “to be born.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does natural come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French natural, ultimately from Latin naturalis, an adjective meaning “of or pertaining to nature or birth.” Latin naturalis was formed from natura, meaning “nature, origin, or birth,” which developed from nasci, “to be born.” The same root is preserved in related English words such as native, nativity, and naïve.
Related word forms
How natural is actually used
Natural is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It can convey approval by suggesting authenticity, health, simplicity, or ease, but in phrases such as “that’s natural” it may simply indicate that something is expected. The noun is chiefly informal, while the adverb is less common than naturally.