What does naturalist mean?
A naturalist is someone who studies the natural world, including its animals, plants, geology, and environmental relationships. The term may refer to a professional scientist, a field researcher, or an amateur observer with a detailed knowledge of a particular habitat or species. It can also denote a supporter of naturalism, the philosophical and artistic view that nature is the proper basis for understanding human beings and their culture. In everyday use, the word often carries a scholarly or exploratory connotation, suggesting close observation of the outdoors and an interest in how the physical world works. Although related to “biologist,” “zoologist,” and “botanist,” “naturalist” is broader than any single biological specialty and may include geological and ecological study as well. The word is useful because it names both a person’s field of inquiry and a way of examining nature through observation and evidence.
nounA naturalist is a person who studies the natural world, especially plants, animals, geology, and their environments. In philosophical, literary, and artistic contexts, a naturalist is an advocate of naturalism.
- A person who studies the natural world, especially animals, plants, geology, or natural history.
- An advocate of naturalism in philosophy, literature, or the visual arts.
"The naturalist spent the morning documenting rare plants along the cliff path."
"The naturalist spent the morning documenting rare plants along the cliff path."
"Her essay as a philosophical naturalist argued that human culture should be understood as part of the natural world."
The standard plural of naturalist is naturalists.
"Several naturalists contributed observations to the regional survey."
The word naturalist links the person who observes nature with the broader idea that nature should be understood through natural laws rather than supernatural explanations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does naturalist come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from French naturaliste, formed from natural and the suffix -ist. Natural ultimately derives from Latin naturalis, meaning “of or according to nature.” Its English relatives include naturalism, naturalistic, nature, and natural, all sharing the same Latin foundation. The suffix -ist identifies a person associated with a field, doctrine, or method, so a naturalist is literally a person concerned with nature.
How naturalist is actually used
The word is neutral in British and American English and can refer to a professional scientist, a field researcher, or a serious amateur observer. In contemporary political language, it is sometimes used more broadly for someone who favors approaches grounded in natural processes, but that usage is less precise than the traditional meaning.
Easily confused with naturalist
A naturalist studies or is devoted to the natural world, whereas a nationalist advocates national sovereignty or identity.