Definition of natural in English:

natural

adjective ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl

1Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind.
carrots contain a natural antiseptic
natural disasters such as earthquakes
Example sentencesExamples
- It provides them with a wonderful range of natural hues derived from clay, bark, flowers and berries.
- He noticed she was small, and her hair natural, slightly red and very silky, not long, and not short.
- This is the largest natural disaster that our nation has ever faced.
- Using homeopathy and a range of other natural treatments, Pat set out on a journey of recovery that was to see her body go from strength to strength.
- The natural medicine, derived from onions, is mixed with water and given to Paul through his feeding tube.
- Existing natural features and areas were identified as of ecological importance and were incorporated into the masterplan.
- How did a natural disaster turn into a national fiasco?
- Do you believe the federal government should impose gasoline price freezes during natural disasters?
- To let it heal spontaneously would be natural, even if debilitating for life.
- The food industry uses many other emulsifying substances, usually derived from natural foodstuffs.
- Well he thinks that I am a blonde deep down, even if my natural hair colour is brown.
- Loyal readers might remember that I am a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Red Sox are our natural rivals.
- The confined cage environment can never offer sufficient stimulation for their natural behaviour.
- Certainly, the military has a role to play in a major natural disaster.
- Based on the classical traditions of fragrance, he uses only pure natural ingredients.
- They were plant alkaloids and natural products - medicines derived from natural products.
- The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever.
- Many physicians recommend walking as a natural treatment to relieve depression.
- This is the largest natural disaster that this country has ever seen in terms of the destruction that has been caused.
- These events are unrelated, and humankind's vulnerability to natural hazards is as old as our species.
- Can you recommend a natural treatment that will make my hair look fuller?
- Every other type, even those derived from natural sources like soyabeans or wild yam, are put together in the test tube.
- There are several natural treatments that can have an impact on the immune imbalance in asthma.
- Geological experts said the disaster was due to natural causes.
- The challenge was to make the most of the space and improve the existing flow of natural light.
- The colour is derived from the natural chlorophyll that is given out by the ingredients.
- It is a natural compound derived from sugar cane wax, beeswax or yams.
- Depleted uranium is derived from natural uranium mined from the earth's crust.
- There are plenty of natural treatments for an underactive thyroid.
- Zookeepers run enrichment programmes to mimic the natural behaviour of the animals in the wild and to stimulate them in captivity.
- Carp seem to prefer different things in different lakes and natural behaviour is liable to become modified by angling pressure.
- Overall, seventy percent of pharmaceuticals now being used come from or are derived from natural products.
- I asked about a natural treatment at the health food store and was told to try tea tree oil.
- The natural disaster caused incalculable loss of life in many countries around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean.
- Since each woman is unique and reacts differently to natural treatments, try them out for yourself.
1. 1.1 Having had a minimum of processing or preservative treatment.
  natural food
  our nutritional products are completely natural
  Example sentencesExamples
  A natural doctor can assist with nutritional recommendations and natural allergy treatments.
  Vegetables with a natural preservative, clay, are well sought after.
  A positive way to combat the state of our children's diets is to opt for natural, unprocessed foods.
  The additional benefit of using natural treatments is that they have no unwanted side effects.
  To me, cooking is all about capturing the natural flavour of the food, not smothering it - clean, tasty, fresh food that looks great.
  We get all the sodium we need from the natural ingredients of food.
  Composting is the natural process that turns autumn leaves into soil at the end of the year.
  We are not adapted to natural pesticides in our food as plant breeding accidents have adequately demonstrated.
  A very natural, non-mechanised process is what makes the final product possible.
  Synonyms
  unprocessed, organic, pure, wholesome, unrefined, pesticide-free, chemical-free, additive-free, unbleached, unmixed, real, plain, virgin, crude, raw
2. 1.2 (of fabric) having a colour characteristic of the unbleached and undyed state; off-white.
  Example sentencesExamples
  In the living room, a large multipaned window swagged in natural linen takes center stage.
  She pinched her cheeks to give them a little more natural colour and moved to leave her room.
  Her hair has changed, too - brown, black, fair, blonde - so that even she is not sure what its natural colour is any more.
  The golden yellow colour is the natural colour of the butter made strictly from cow's milk, it was pointed out.
  Aged patina and marble finishes on fabrics will give subtle understated looks to natural fabrics.
  The unique feature of the mural painting is that only natural colours are used.
2In accordance with the nature of, or circumstances surrounding, someone or something.
sharks have no natural enemies
Example sentencesExamples
- Hence the plant response to attack will not only affect herbivore numbers, it will also affect the quality of the herbivore for other natural enemies.
- Other factors to be considered are the lack of any known natural enemies and its large native distribution.
- Dragonflies are natural enemies of mosquitoes, since they eat them.
- Canada is working to improve its understanding of these pests, including their natural enemies.
- That is a natural extension to the existing role of regulator of civil transport and airports for safety purposes.
- As they share basic values and are not far apart in their economic development, they are essentially natural partners.
- These people - and there are a lot of them - are not our natural enemies.
- They'll also explore ways to trap the borers and perhaps manipulate the behavior of their natural enemies.
- As people encounter new circumstances, the natural tendency is to seek a skilled mentor for guidance.
- Not going into the post offices to collect cash means that the natural customers, who would have bought other services, are not tempted.
- When we come to consider the aesthetics of the novel, what we are talking about is the extent to which fiction communicates emotion to its natural audience.
1. 2.1attributive (of a person) having an innate skill or quality.
  he was a natural entertainer
  Example sentencesExamples
  And as a natural rebel, she was once suspended for three months for hurling obscenities at her coaches.
  The 23-year-old man is a natural athlete, who can both beat players and take his scores.
  But Stewart for his part never cared for the praise of his friend Henry Fonda that he was a natural actor.
  He was also a brilliant firefighter, a natural athlete and big into sport, they even did a big article on him in Sports Illustrated.
  For his part, Green insists he is not a natural writer.
  He is a man of strong, well-informed opinions - an obvious, natural scholar.
  I'd always been a natural writer and, by the time I was 18, I had my own column.
  With tennis you need a certain amount of technique - a natural sportsman wouldn't necessarily beat you.
  They are natural thieves, and quick to boot, so remember to keep your bag closed and your pockets out of reach.
  Then today, a piece from Dell, with the warning that she's ‘not a natural writer’.
  From the age of two, when he started using a pack of cards to learn how to count, it was clear Shivam would make a natural card player.
  He makes me laugh so often, he must be a natural comedian!
  He was the natural leader on the field and his performance in the final did a lot to inspire his team mates to victory.
  Johnny Cash was an American icon, a man who stood apart, a natural leader.
  He is not, he admits, a natural teacher, and for him, having to stick with a single subject would have resulted in crushing boredom.
  He viewed him as a natural leader who would rise in the military hierarchy.
  His excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding intellect make him a natural leader.
  A natural athlete she gravitated to basketball as an outlet for her skills.
  You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker.
  Mick who was one of life's natural gentlemen, was a singer and a comedian.
  He's also a former soldier and a natural leader.
  He was, by his own admission, far from a natural leader.
  A country of politicians, natural leaders, would-be prophets or gods would be very difficult to govern.
  Montrose was charming and gallant, a superb natural soldier with a rare ability to get the best out of his tiny army of ill-equipped Highlanders.
  Synonyms
  born, naturally gifted, untaught
2. 2.2 (of a skill or quality) coming instinctively to a person; innate.
  Laura's natural adaptability enabled her to settle quickly
  Example sentencesExamples
  It's shocking that he hasn't written musicals before because he's a natural librettist.
  Discovering you have a natural talent or aptitude for something feels good.
  His strength is possessing skills and natural ability that no modern-era quarterback can match.
  The nature of men is described as often having a natural depravity that is hidden inside respectability.
  Of course, in your natural arrogance, you believe everything is essential.
  He discovered a natural flair and talent for the work.
  Yes, Manoj did have this natural flair for creating energy and pace!
  For each one it takes a certain amount of natural ability, but it also takes devotion, time, and commitment.
  He knew that he could do any theoretical question by using his proven natural talent and intuitive understanding of the subject.
  He is thrilled by the skills and enjoys the challenges associated with harnessing the natural talent and ensuring it continues to develop.
  Reaching great heights does not depend upon our natural talents and capabilities.
  There is no doubt that the Jamaican players have an abundance of natural ability, but in today's game that is not enough.
  Of course, that little fact obviously doesn't get rid of their natural arrogance.
  Finney was the more rounded player, a natural predator who regarded the pitch as a happy hunting ground and revelled in his natural ability to score goals.
  Lara has got tons of natural ability and is always looking to play shots.
  She knew what ingredients went into several spells, but didn't have the natural talent that enabled her to perform magic.
  They hide our real thoughts and intentions and subdue our natural belligerence.
  His natural confidence is allied with a realistic caution about his progress.
  Take a look at what you have to offer, your skills, your natural talents and in what situations you perform at your best.
  He had natural ability then and could always score goals.
  He has a natural aptitude for computation and is very quick at figure work.
  Only the reflexes and natural ability that years of practice had given him was keeping him close.
  There are many players who have better games than Henman, thanks to their innate natural talent.
  The owner has used his natural talent and skills to develop a well-trained group of people.
  The academy selects its students on the basis of natural talent, dedication and the capacity for hard work.
  Agreed - a certain amount of natural skill is required - but that skill needs to be properly nurtured.
  Synonyms
  innate, inborn, inherent, native, native-born, intrinsic, instinctive, instinctual, intuitive, natural-born, ingrained, built-in
  gut
  hereditary, inherited, inbred, congenital
  rare connate, connatural
3. 2.3 (of a person or their behaviour) relaxed and unaffected; spontaneous.
  he replied with just a little too much nonchalance to sound natural
  Example sentencesExamples
  Perhaps this is because they mimic evolved solutions, so their behaviour seems more natural.
  She has said that she tries to sound natural and unaffected, and that's a laudable goal.
  We should all strive to adopt the natural, unselfconscious behavior of the child and live life in the present moment.
  Hurley wins out on all counts with his casual and natural look and behaviour.
  Let the natural and relaxed arm swing of walking or running become part of your skiing.
  He really identified with Socialist Worker as a fighting paper-it was all very spontaneous and natural!
  It not only gives it to you raw, but its acting is flawless, very natural and spontaneous and all around very believable.
  I just wanted the interaction between the kids and the parents to be natural.
  His portraits are especially effective and capture people's natural, spontaneous expressions.
  The natural, spontaneous flow of your life energy becomes blocked or dulled.
  Defined orders tend to be restrictive and do little to encourage ordinary, natural relationships between parents and children.
  Eventually, the jaws reach a natural, relaxed position, and no further adjustments are needed.
  The problem is not with Jones, who gives a natural and unaffected performance, but with her character's story.
  Nothing seems forced or fabricated, and the way in which they interact as families is natural and genuine.
  The left-footing was always mechanical and I hate that - I love being natural and spontaneous.
  Synonyms
  unaffected, spontaneous, uninhibited, straightforward, relaxed, unselfconscious, genuine, open, artless, guileless, ingenuous, unsophisticated, unpretentious, without airs, easy
  unstudied, unforced, uncontrived, unmannered, unstilted, unconstrained
4. 2.4 Entirely to be expected.
  Ken was a natural choice for chairman
  Example sentencesExamples
  Patients should be thoroughly educated about the natural course of osteoarthritis.
  The message you hear is pre-recorded and of course your natural reaction is to put the phone down.
  He had been such a regular sight in Manchester's Oxfam that the staff thought he was the natural choice to open the new-look store.
  Boasting about how swimmingly this was going, and how much upstream clout he has, is entirely natural.
  Already negotiations with the public service unions are going on and these talks should be allowed to take their natural course.
  Of course the natural tendency is to ignore them and keep on doing the same thing I've been doing.
  Untreated, the natural course of minor depression is one to two years.
  I'm trying to let things take their natural course, but I don't know what that natural course is.
  Attractive and photogenic, he was the natural choice to visually represent the party and its programs.
  The high quality of local produce and the good supply chain meant it was a natural choice over cheaper ingredients from abroad.
  This achievement was not the result of policies imposed from above, but the natural outcome of a good educational system.
  Marriage was also seen as the natural course of a man's life, enabling him to function properly in his working life and fulfil his duty by fathering children.
  Patients eventually assume that their symptoms reflect a natural state that is part of their epilepsy.
  For him to want to continue a relationship with his child is perfectly natural.
  Even if McLeish claims otherwise, it would be entirely natural for him to prioritise the Champions League over the Premierleague.
  Pangs of conscience are, of course, a natural reaction to the taking of an innocent life.
  Perhaps it is natural for them to expect some kind of reward from the organisation.
  While the communities may feel a natural attachment for their surrounds, they legally have no claim to them.
  His original plan had been to allow the two men to become friends and let the talks take their natural course.
  While my family generally accepts all comers, in the natural course of things some are more loved than others.
  It is entirely natural for Indians to take pride in the successes of their erstwhile compatriots abroad.
  I had viewed morals, and moral behavior, as the natural outcome of reason alone.
  Without treatment, however, the natural course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen.
  During the natural course of bipolar affective disorder, relapses and recurrences are frequent.
  And, of course, the natural choice was for her to be drawn with a dolphin.
  These poor deluded racists seem to think that pathologies are the natural course of events for most people.
  Under such circumstances, it is natural for the public to resort to other means to get justice.
  Last year researchers launched the Decade of Behavior as a natural follow-up to the Decade of the Brain.
  If we consider how electronic music developed, this is perfectly natural.
  The large outer office looked bare and empty, but under the circumstances that was natural.
  The conclusion is that it is natural, and therefore inevitable, for people to behave that way, too.
  Your natural reactions to circumstances encourage success and the healthy growth of your ego and self-esteem.
  As a lifelong devotee to cycling, it was a natural choice for Rick to combine both of his greatest passions.
  I can't do anything else, so it was a natural choice for me.
  In fact of course the suffering is neither natural nor inevitable.
  What is natural, of course, is that sex leads to pregnancy - the very situation that women have spent generations trying to control.
  I grew up wanting to be a farmer - I loved being around animals and that was the natural choice.
  Of course, it's natural that we should feel like that.
  In the world of stiff competition, it is natural for the parents to force their children to excel in what they do.
  The two of you seem to like each other, so of course it would be natural for you to wed.
  Synonyms
  reasonable, logical, understandable, unsurprising, expected, (only) to be expected, predictable
  inevitable
5. 2.5attributive (of law or justice) felt instinctively to be morally right and fair.
  you might feel that holding the teacher responsible for the results contravenes natural justice
  Example sentencesExamples
  Almost without noticing it, we lose touch with that spontaneity that is our natural inheritance.
  But their wishes, even pious ones, do not trump the natural right of parents to decide such a matter.
  Why do the natural rules of trust, common sense and due diligence for some reason not seem to apply online?
  The common law rules of natural justice or procedural fairness are two-fold.
  Recently there has been a tendency to revive the rule, although it is no longer based on natural law.
  The validity challenge is based on alleged breaches of the rules of natural justice in two respects.
  People wonder what happened to the rules of natural justice and the presumption of innocence.
  This was a breach of the rules of natural justice.
  As Aquinas explained, law is natural because it is ‘a purpose implanted by the Divine art’.
  No one would suggest that a court making orders of that sort should not comply with the common law rules of natural justice.
  His attorney claims that this ‘trial in absentia’ was a denial of natural justice.
  Even without a Human Rights Act, this legislation breaches every principle of natural justice and the rule of law.
  Last Thursday, I had three examples of events reaching their conclusions in a way that follows my rules of natural justice.
  This allegation comes on top of the fact that the rule of natural justice that accused have the right to a speedy trial has long since gone out of the window.
  Oral hearings may take place, to which the rules of natural justice apply.
  He argues the item was raised at last month's meeting without prior notice and in breach of standard procedures of natural justice.
  They will also be told that they must consider the application on its merits, observing the rules of natural justice.
  Breach of the rules of natural justice are jurisdictional grounds.
  There was no suggestion of any impropriety, or lack of regard for rules of natural justice.
  Thus in defending the rule of law, we must ourselves respect and be bound by the due process of law and the rules of natural justice.
  This not only impairs the fair market order but also violates the natural rule of justice.
3attributive (of a parent or child) related by blood.
such adopted children always knew who their natural parents were
Example sentencesExamples
- Due to my natural mum having psychological problems I was put into care when I was just a few days old.
- The same patterns can be seen in people who were raised by one or both of their natural parents, or by their grandparents.
- How can I stop my parents obviously favouring their natural grandchildren?
- The fact that the mother is the natural parent of all five children is, of course, a significant factor to take into account.
- The children concerned may have no contact with their parents or natural family.
- It says that it is a dynamic group aiming to enforce the rights of children to see their natural parents and grandparents.
- When his natural parents split up, the mother's new partner assaulted her and her son.
- They were taken from their natural parents and put in foster care, and some were even adopted.
- The second factor is mobility: children move, for example, between foster parents and natural parents.
- Does the child not have a right to inherit from its natural parent?
- The right time to consider what kind of contact natural parents are to have to children being adopted is on the occasion adoption is under consideration.
- The parents still believe the children have a close attachment to their natural parents and extended family network.
- Hielema has a brother who was also adopted and a sister who was a natural child of the parents who raised him.
- The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent.
- She says she understands why adopted children are given the information to trace their natural parents
- Bernie said a lot of natural parents - mostly mothers - also wanted access to the files to see that they were accurate.
- A lower court ruled that because she was not a natural parent of the children, they were not her responsibility.
- Thus, the parents with higher intelligence test scores tended to have natural children with higher intelligence test scores.
1. 3.1archaic (of a child) illegitimate.
  the Baron left a natural son by his mistress
  Example sentencesExamples
  Fathers also had legal obligations to provide for their natural children.
  He had had her legitimised as his natural daughter.
  Synonyms
  illegitimate, born out of wedlock
  informal, dated born on the wrong side of the blanket
  archaic bastard, misbegotten, baseborn, spurious
  rare adulterine
4Music
(of a note) not sharp or flat.
the bassoon plays G natural instead of A flat
Example sentencesExamples
- A flat, natural, or sharp sign can be placed above it, to indicate a chromatic inflection of the upper note.
1. 4.1 (of a brass instrument) having no valves and able to play only the notes of the harmonic series above a fundamental note.
  Example sentencesExamples
  However, a new dynamic emerges when the natural instrument is left untreated.
  In that way it's like playing a natural trumpet without valves.
2. 4.2 Relating to the notes and intervals of the harmonic series.
  Example sentencesExamples
  Perhaps it's the natural harmony in the male-female vocal.
  A natural harmony singer, she fills that void that a single voice can often leave open.
5Christian Theology
Relating to earthly human or physical nature as distinct from the spiritual or supernatural realm.
Example sentencesExamples
- And I want to understand the nature of that power, be it spiritual or natural or a combination of the two.
- Scripture is made up of propositional truth statements, but the natural realm has no such statements.
- They can exist in material objects, the natural world, spiritual realms, or all of the above.
- They were designed to help the individual cope with perceived natural and supernatural adversity.
- From the Renaissance onwards, study of the natural realm was increasingly distinguished from metaphysics.
- In truth, for Pearce there is no division between natural and supernatural, at least not when she is at the top of her form.
- In our spiritual war, we need spiritual amour and spiritual weapons - not natural ones.
- Distinguishing between true and false in this realm is like distinguishing between straight and crooked in the natural realm.
- These songs construct a vision in which the natural, human, and supernatural worlds are intertwined.
6Bridge
(of a bid) straightforwardly reflecting one's holding of cards.
his bid of one heart was natural and positive
Often contrasted with conventional or artificial
Example sentencesExamples
- An Ace high straight-flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand.
- This means players cannot take discard pile unless they have two natural cards of that type in hand.
- A straight flush is the best natural hand.
- You can only take the discard pile if you have a pair of natural cards in your hand which are of the same rank as the top card of the discard pile.
- Between two otherwise equal hands, one made of natural cards beats one containing a joker.
- An up card may only be taken by combining it with cards from the player's hand to form a new meld: at least one of the cards from the player's hand must be natural.
- Wild cards (jokers and twos) can normally be used in melds as substitutes for natural cards of the appropriate rank.
- Note that you must bid at least one club in order to make your bid, and the club must be natural (with no wild cards).
- A run with a natural top card will beat a run with a wild top card.
- If all the cards in it are natural, it is a pure canasta, indicated by stacking the cards together with a red card on top.

noun ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl

1A person having an innate talent for a particular task or activity.
she was a natural for television work
Example sentencesExamples
- Hannah told me that I was a natural for someone who had never really ridden a horse before.
- His wild appearance and athletic ability made him a hit with fans and a natural for the ring.
- For all his appeal, Spidey never seemed a natural for the screen.
- Shannon's looks, which he thoroughly capitalized on, made him a natural for television.
- The former Rangers striker was a natural for the role.
- Was it always this way, were you a natural for public speaking?
- Fletcher is a natural for that role, because he runs faster than most fullbacks and is built like one.
- Being close to us makes this ape a natural for scientific studies, and much time and effort is spent in research.
- Liu's martial arts skills make her a natural for the role, but Thurman proves to be a worthy adversary.
- Pat Kenny described him as a natural in front of camera and that cannot be disputed.
- Al Pacino is a natural for roles like this.
- He is a natural for this spot, where he can concentrate on making tackles instead of providing deep coverage.
- From a performance standpoint, Monica Potter is a natural for this genre.
- He is a natural for second base, but he can also play anywhere in the infield, and even the outfield if necessary.
- Allinson has ably filled the show before, but Bruce is a natural for that time slot.
- The instructor also noted that she was a natural and asked if she had had any prior training.
- His lyrical, handsome style made him a natural for classical roles and he was promoted soloist, then principal in 1983.
- Then project leader believes Steve is a natural for the job.
- Sir Norman's success in the films that made him such an icon meant he was a natural for TV.
- His winning personality makes him a natural for such work and the show seems to be taking off quite nicely.
1. 1.1 A thing that is particularly suited for something.
  perky musical accompaniment would seem a natural for this series
  Example sentencesExamples
  Although it wasn't written for him, the part of Miles Massey seemed a natural for George Clooney.
  Since pro contests are mostly of interest to younger people, this would seem like a natural for the magazines.
  Polenta is best known as a hearty winter side dish, but its sunny yellow color and sweet corn taste make it a natural for spring too.
  Internet communications are a natural for computer-assisted diagnosis and medication selection.
  Work, particularly work that involves words and thought, is not a natural for film.
  Blackpool, with its Las Vegas aspirations and seedy seafront reality, is a natural for television drama.
  The climate of the country allows beans to grow during most of the year, so they are a natural for inclusion in many dishes.
  Their story, combining heart-rending drama and gutsy determination, was a natural for the big screen.
  In other words, it's a natural for the pages of the Fairfax press.
2Music
A sign (♮) denoting a natural note when a previous sign or the key signature would otherwise demand a sharp or a flat.
Example sentencesExamples
- Such appearances certainly suggest that the e flat in ex.3 is no scribal error for e natural.
1. 2.1 A natural note.
2. 2.2 Any of the longer, lower keys on a keyboard instrument that are normally white.
3mass noun An off-white colour.
colour for the summer is defined by the trend towards naturals
Example sentencesExamples
- Colours are powdered pastels, warm naturals, primary colours and unusual accents.
- I mean, you can see there's a lot of pink in here, accented by naturals.
- The shop was a sea of cornflower blues and shocking reds, mellow naturals and pastels and mysterious blacks.
4(in a gambling game) a combination or score that immediately wins.
Example sentencesExamples
- You must have 2 naturals then you can play as many wild cards as you would like.
- A two-card hand of nine or a two-card hand of eight are considered naturals and do not take any hits.
1. 4.1 A hand of two cards making 21 in the first deal in blackjack and similar games.
2. 4.2 A first throw of 7 or 11 at craps.
5Fishing
An insect or other small creature used as bait, rather than an artificial imitation.
Example sentencesExamples
- Small imitation naturals and light tippets should be used when fishing low, clear water.
- When fishing such waters, under such conditions a better option is to go for smaller baits, either naturals or particles.
- Try the shrimp he said, referring to the purple natural, not the fly.
- Other flies are downright lures, which look nothing like a natural but provoke a response when pulled fast past a feeding trout.
6archaic A person born with a learning disability.
Example sentencesExamples
- They were deficient, but probably not to the extent that they might be called naturals or idiots.

adverb ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl

dialect, informal

Naturally.
keep walking—just act natural
Example sentencesExamples
- Ry's going to carry scars about that for the rest of her life no matter how natural she might act.
- She is German, unused to the Hollywood tradition of Barbie-esque perfection, and acts natural.
Synonyms
normally, in a natural manner, in a natural way, unaffectedly, spontaneously, genuinely, artlessly, unpretentiously

Origin

Middle English (in the sense 'having a certain status by birth'): from Old French, from Latin naturalis, from natura 'birth, nature, quality' (see nature).

Definition of natural in US English:

natural

adjectiveˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl

1Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.
carrots contain a natural antiseptic that fights bacteria
natural disasters such as earthquakes
Example sentencesExamples
- Loyal readers might remember that I am a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Red Sox are our natural rivals.
- Well he thinks that I am a blonde deep down, even if my natural hair colour is brown.
- Geological experts said the disaster was due to natural causes.
- Zookeepers run enrichment programmes to mimic the natural behaviour of the animals in the wild and to stimulate them in captivity.
- Do you believe the federal government should impose gasoline price freezes during natural disasters?
- Can you recommend a natural treatment that will make my hair look fuller?
- This is the largest natural disaster that our nation has ever faced.
- He noticed she was small, and her hair natural, slightly red and very silky, not long, and not short.
- Using homeopathy and a range of other natural treatments, Pat set out on a journey of recovery that was to see her body go from strength to strength.
- The challenge was to make the most of the space and improve the existing flow of natural light.
- The natural medicine, derived from onions, is mixed with water and given to Paul through his feeding tube.
- Every other type, even those derived from natural sources like soyabeans or wild yam, are put together in the test tube.
- These events are unrelated, and humankind's vulnerability to natural hazards is as old as our species.
- It is a natural compound derived from sugar cane wax, beeswax or yams.
- The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever.
- How did a natural disaster turn into a national fiasco?
- They were plant alkaloids and natural products - medicines derived from natural products.
- The natural disaster caused incalculable loss of life in many countries around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean.
- It provides them with a wonderful range of natural hues derived from clay, bark, flowers and berries.
- I asked about a natural treatment at the health food store and was told to try tea tree oil.
- Certainly, the military has a role to play in a major natural disaster.
- Many physicians recommend walking as a natural treatment to relieve depression.
- Existing natural features and areas were identified as of ecological importance and were incorporated into the masterplan.
- There are plenty of natural treatments for an underactive thyroid.
- The colour is derived from the natural chlorophyll that is given out by the ingredients.
- To let it heal spontaneously would be natural, even if debilitating for life.
- Based on the classical traditions of fragrance, he uses only pure natural ingredients.
- Overall, seventy percent of pharmaceuticals now being used come from or are derived from natural products.
- Carp seem to prefer different things in different lakes and natural behaviour is liable to become modified by angling pressure.
- Since each woman is unique and reacts differently to natural treatments, try them out for yourself.
- The confined cage environment can never offer sufficient stimulation for their natural behaviour.
- The food industry uses many other emulsifying substances, usually derived from natural foodstuffs.
- Depleted uranium is derived from natural uranium mined from the earth's crust.
- There are several natural treatments that can have an impact on the immune imbalance in asthma.
- This is the largest natural disaster that this country has ever seen in terms of the destruction that has been caused.
1. 1.1 (of fabric) having a color characteristic of the unbleached and undyed state; off-white.
  Example sentencesExamples
  Aged patina and marble finishes on fabrics will give subtle understated looks to natural fabrics.
  The golden yellow colour is the natural colour of the butter made strictly from cow's milk, it was pointed out.
  She pinched her cheeks to give them a little more natural colour and moved to leave her room.
  The unique feature of the mural painting is that only natural colours are used.
  Her hair has changed, too - brown, black, fair, blonde - so that even she is not sure what its natural colour is any more.
  In the living room, a large multipaned window swagged in natural linen takes center stage.
2Of or in agreement with the character or makeup of, or circumstances surrounding, someone or something.
sharks have no natural enemies
Example sentencesExamples
- Other factors to be considered are the lack of any known natural enemies and its large native distribution.
- As people encounter new circumstances, the natural tendency is to seek a skilled mentor for guidance.
- Canada is working to improve its understanding of these pests, including their natural enemies.
- They'll also explore ways to trap the borers and perhaps manipulate the behavior of their natural enemies.
- That is a natural extension to the existing role of regulator of civil transport and airports for safety purposes.
- Hence the plant response to attack will not only affect herbivore numbers, it will also affect the quality of the herbivore for other natural enemies.
- Not going into the post offices to collect cash means that the natural customers, who would have bought other services, are not tempted.
- These people - and there are a lot of them - are not our natural enemies.
- When we come to consider the aesthetics of the novel, what we are talking about is the extent to which fiction communicates emotion to its natural audience.
- Dragonflies are natural enemies of mosquitoes, since they eat them.
- As they share basic values and are not far apart in their economic development, they are essentially natural partners.
1. 2.1attributive (of a person) born with a particular skill, quality, or ability.
  he was a natural entertainer
  Example sentencesExamples
  Then today, a piece from Dell, with the warning that she's ‘not a natural writer’.
  He was the natural leader on the field and his performance in the final did a lot to inspire his team mates to victory.
  A country of politicians, natural leaders, would-be prophets or gods would be very difficult to govern.
  Mick who was one of life's natural gentlemen, was a singer and a comedian.
  He was, by his own admission, far from a natural leader.
  His excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding intellect make him a natural leader.
  He makes me laugh so often, he must be a natural comedian!
  A natural athlete she gravitated to basketball as an outlet for her skills.
  He was also a brilliant firefighter, a natural athlete and big into sport, they even did a big article on him in Sports Illustrated.
  The 23-year-old man is a natural athlete, who can both beat players and take his scores.
  I'd always been a natural writer and, by the time I was 18, I had my own column.
  Johnny Cash was an American icon, a man who stood apart, a natural leader.
  You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker.
  He's also a former soldier and a natural leader.
  They are natural thieves, and quick to boot, so remember to keep your bag closed and your pockets out of reach.
  For his part, Green insists he is not a natural writer.
  From the age of two, when he started using a pack of cards to learn how to count, it was clear Shivam would make a natural card player.
  And as a natural rebel, she was once suspended for three months for hurling obscenities at her coaches.
  But Stewart for his part never cared for the praise of his friend Henry Fonda that he was a natural actor.
  He is not, he admits, a natural teacher, and for him, having to stick with a single subject would have resulted in crushing boredom.
  With tennis you need a certain amount of technique - a natural sportsman wouldn't necessarily beat you.
  He is a man of strong, well-informed opinions - an obvious, natural scholar.
  He viewed him as a natural leader who would rise in the military hierarchy.
  Montrose was charming and gallant, a superb natural soldier with a rare ability to get the best out of his tiny army of ill-equipped Highlanders.
  Synonyms
  born, naturally gifted, untaught
2. 2.2 (of a skill, quality, or ability) coming instinctively to a person; innate.
  writing appears to demand muscular movements that are not natural to children
  Example sentencesExamples
  He has a natural aptitude for computation and is very quick at figure work.
  Yes, Manoj did have this natural flair for creating energy and pace!
  Of course, that little fact obviously doesn't get rid of their natural arrogance.
  He knew that he could do any theoretical question by using his proven natural talent and intuitive understanding of the subject.
  He discovered a natural flair and talent for the work.
  He had natural ability then and could always score goals.
  His natural confidence is allied with a realistic caution about his progress.
  Only the reflexes and natural ability that years of practice had given him was keeping him close.
  There is no doubt that the Jamaican players have an abundance of natural ability, but in today's game that is not enough.
  They hide our real thoughts and intentions and subdue our natural belligerence.
  Agreed - a certain amount of natural skill is required - but that skill needs to be properly nurtured.
  There are many players who have better games than Henman, thanks to their innate natural talent.
  Of course, in your natural arrogance, you believe everything is essential.
  Finney was the more rounded player, a natural predator who regarded the pitch as a happy hunting ground and revelled in his natural ability to score goals.
  Discovering you have a natural talent or aptitude for something feels good.
  The academy selects its students on the basis of natural talent, dedication and the capacity for hard work.
  The owner has used his natural talent and skills to develop a well-trained group of people.
  She knew what ingredients went into several spells, but didn't have the natural talent that enabled her to perform magic.
  Take a look at what you have to offer, your skills, your natural talents and in what situations you perform at your best.
  Lara has got tons of natural ability and is always looking to play shots.
  The nature of men is described as often having a natural depravity that is hidden inside respectability.
  He is thrilled by the skills and enjoys the challenges associated with harnessing the natural talent and ensuring it continues to develop.
  Reaching great heights does not depend upon our natural talents and capabilities.
  His strength is possessing skills and natural ability that no modern-era quarterback can match.
  For each one it takes a certain amount of natural ability, but it also takes devotion, time, and commitment.
  It's shocking that he hasn't written musicals before because he's a natural librettist.
  Synonyms
  innate, inborn, inherent, native, native-born, intrinsic, instinctive, instinctual, intuitive, natural-born, ingrained, built-in
3. 2.3 (of a person or their behavior) relaxed and unaffected; spontaneous.
  he replied with too much nonchalance to sound natural
  Example sentencesExamples
  The natural, spontaneous flow of your life energy becomes blocked or dulled.
  Hurley wins out on all counts with his casual and natural look and behaviour.
  The left-footing was always mechanical and I hate that - I love being natural and spontaneous.
  His portraits are especially effective and capture people's natural, spontaneous expressions.
  I just wanted the interaction between the kids and the parents to be natural.
  Perhaps this is because they mimic evolved solutions, so their behaviour seems more natural.
  Eventually, the jaws reach a natural, relaxed position, and no further adjustments are needed.
  He really identified with Socialist Worker as a fighting paper-it was all very spontaneous and natural!
  We should all strive to adopt the natural, unselfconscious behavior of the child and live life in the present moment.
  She has said that she tries to sound natural and unaffected, and that's a laudable goal.
  Let the natural and relaxed arm swing of walking or running become part of your skiing.
  Defined orders tend to be restrictive and do little to encourage ordinary, natural relationships between parents and children.
  It not only gives it to you raw, but its acting is flawless, very natural and spontaneous and all around very believable.
  Nothing seems forced or fabricated, and the way in which they interact as families is natural and genuine.
  The problem is not with Jones, who gives a natural and unaffected performance, but with her character's story.
  Synonyms
  unaffected, spontaneous, uninhibited, straightforward, relaxed, unselfconscious, genuine, open, artless, guileless, ingenuous, unsophisticated, unpretentious, without airs, easy
4. 2.4 Occurring as a matter of course and without debate; inevitable.
  Ken was a natural choice for coach
  Example sentencesExamples
  While the communities may feel a natural attachment for their surrounds, they legally have no claim to them.
  Boasting about how swimmingly this was going, and how much upstream clout he has, is entirely natural.
  Untreated, the natural course of minor depression is one to two years.
  I had viewed morals, and moral behavior, as the natural outcome of reason alone.
  Perhaps it is natural for them to expect some kind of reward from the organisation.
  The message you hear is pre-recorded and of course your natural reaction is to put the phone down.
  He had been such a regular sight in Manchester's Oxfam that the staff thought he was the natural choice to open the new-look store.
  During the natural course of bipolar affective disorder, relapses and recurrences are frequent.
  Without treatment, however, the natural course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen.
  Pangs of conscience are, of course, a natural reaction to the taking of an innocent life.
  It is entirely natural for Indians to take pride in the successes of their erstwhile compatriots abroad.
  Marriage was also seen as the natural course of a man's life, enabling him to function properly in his working life and fulfil his duty by fathering children.
  The conclusion is that it is natural, and therefore inevitable, for people to behave that way, too.
  As a lifelong devotee to cycling, it was a natural choice for Rick to combine both of his greatest passions.
  Last year researchers launched the Decade of Behavior as a natural follow-up to the Decade of the Brain.
  This achievement was not the result of policies imposed from above, but the natural outcome of a good educational system.
  If we consider how electronic music developed, this is perfectly natural.
  The large outer office looked bare and empty, but under the circumstances that was natural.
  While my family generally accepts all comers, in the natural course of things some are more loved than others.
  For him to want to continue a relationship with his child is perfectly natural.
  I'm trying to let things take their natural course, but I don't know what that natural course is.
  Patients should be thoroughly educated about the natural course of osteoarthritis.
  Of course the natural tendency is to ignore them and keep on doing the same thing I've been doing.
  Already negotiations with the public service unions are going on and these talks should be allowed to take their natural course.
  Even if McLeish claims otherwise, it would be entirely natural for him to prioritise the Champions League over the Premierleague.
  Of course, it's natural that we should feel like that.
  The two of you seem to like each other, so of course it would be natural for you to wed.
  What is natural, of course, is that sex leads to pregnancy - the very situation that women have spent generations trying to control.
  The high quality of local produce and the good supply chain meant it was a natural choice over cheaper ingredients from abroad.
  I can't do anything else, so it was a natural choice for me.
  I grew up wanting to be a farmer - I loved being around animals and that was the natural choice.
  His original plan had been to allow the two men to become friends and let the talks take their natural course.
  These poor deluded racists seem to think that pathologies are the natural course of events for most people.
  In fact of course the suffering is neither natural nor inevitable.
  Under such circumstances, it is natural for the public to resort to other means to get justice.
  In the world of stiff competition, it is natural for the parents to force their children to excel in what they do.
  And, of course, the natural choice was for her to be drawn with a dolphin.
  Attractive and photogenic, he was the natural choice to visually represent the party and its programs.
  Your natural reactions to circumstances encourage success and the healthy growth of your ego and self-esteem.
  Patients eventually assume that their symptoms reflect a natural state that is part of their epilepsy.
  Synonyms
  reasonable, logical, understandable, unsurprising, expected, to be expected, only to be expected, predictable
5. 2.5attributive (of law or justice) based on innate moral sense; instinctively felt to be right and fair.
  See also natural law
  Example sentencesExamples
  Thus in defending the rule of law, we must ourselves respect and be bound by the due process of law and the rules of natural justice.
  But their wishes, even pious ones, do not trump the natural right of parents to decide such a matter.
  Oral hearings may take place, to which the rules of natural justice apply.
  People wonder what happened to the rules of natural justice and the presumption of innocence.
  The common law rules of natural justice or procedural fairness are two-fold.
  They will also be told that they must consider the application on its merits, observing the rules of natural justice.
  Last Thursday, I had three examples of events reaching their conclusions in a way that follows my rules of natural justice.
  No one would suggest that a court making orders of that sort should not comply with the common law rules of natural justice.
  As Aquinas explained, law is natural because it is ‘a purpose implanted by the Divine art’.
  The validity challenge is based on alleged breaches of the rules of natural justice in two respects.
  Even without a Human Rights Act, this legislation breaches every principle of natural justice and the rule of law.
  He argues the item was raised at last month's meeting without prior notice and in breach of standard procedures of natural justice.
  Recently there has been a tendency to revive the rule, although it is no longer based on natural law.
  Why do the natural rules of trust, common sense and due diligence for some reason not seem to apply online?
  His attorney claims that this ‘trial in absentia’ was a denial of natural justice.
  There was no suggestion of any impropriety, or lack of regard for rules of natural justice.
  Breach of the rules of natural justice are jurisdictional grounds.
  This allegation comes on top of the fact that the rule of natural justice that accused have the right to a speedy trial has long since gone out of the window.
  Almost without noticing it, we lose touch with that spontaneity that is our natural inheritance.
  This not only impairs the fair market order but also violates the natural rule of justice.
  This was a breach of the rules of natural justice.
3attributive (of a parent or child) related by blood.
such adopted children always knew who their natural parents were
Example sentencesExamples
- Hielema has a brother who was also adopted and a sister who was a natural child of the parents who raised him.
- They were taken from their natural parents and put in foster care, and some were even adopted.
- Thus, the parents with higher intelligence test scores tended to have natural children with higher intelligence test scores.
- The second factor is mobility: children move, for example, between foster parents and natural parents.
- Due to my natural mum having psychological problems I was put into care when I was just a few days old.
- The parents still believe the children have a close attachment to their natural parents and extended family network.
- When his natural parents split up, the mother's new partner assaulted her and her son.
- Bernie said a lot of natural parents - mostly mothers - also wanted access to the files to see that they were accurate.
- The fact that the mother is the natural parent of all five children is, of course, a significant factor to take into account.
- The children concerned may have no contact with their parents or natural family.
- The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent.
- Does the child not have a right to inherit from its natural parent?
- She says she understands why adopted children are given the information to trace their natural parents
- The right time to consider what kind of contact natural parents are to have to children being adopted is on the occasion adoption is under consideration.
- How can I stop my parents obviously favouring their natural grandchildren?
- A lower court ruled that because she was not a natural parent of the children, they were not her responsibility.
- The same patterns can be seen in people who were raised by one or both of their natural parents, or by their grandparents.
- It says that it is a dynamic group aiming to enforce the rights of children to see their natural parents and grandparents.
1. 3.1archaic Illegitimate.
  the Baron left a natural son by his mistress
  Example sentencesExamples
  He had had her legitimised as his natural daughter.
  Fathers also had legal obligations to provide for their natural children.
  Synonyms
  illegitimate, born out of wedlock
4Music
(of a note) not sharped or flatted.
postpositive, in combination the bassoon plays G-natural instead of A-flat
Example sentencesExamples
- A flat, natural, or sharp sign can be placed above it, to indicate a chromatic inflection of the upper note.
1. 4.1 (of a brass instrument) having no valves and able to play only the notes of the harmonic series above a fundamental note.
  Example sentencesExamples
  In that way it's like playing a natural trumpet without valves.
  However, a new dynamic emerges when the natural instrument is left untreated.
2. 4.2 Relating to the notes and intervals of the harmonic series.
  Example sentencesExamples
  A natural harmony singer, she fills that void that a single voice can often leave open.
  Perhaps it's the natural harmony in the male-female vocal.
5Christian Theology
Relating to earthly or unredeemed human or physical nature as distinct from the spiritual or supernatural realm.
Example sentencesExamples
- And I want to understand the nature of that power, be it spiritual or natural or a combination of the two.
- Distinguishing between true and false in this realm is like distinguishing between straight and crooked in the natural realm.
- Scripture is made up of propositional truth statements, but the natural realm has no such statements.
- They were designed to help the individual cope with perceived natural and supernatural adversity.
- In truth, for Pearce there is no division between natural and supernatural, at least not when she is at the top of her form.
- In our spiritual war, we need spiritual amour and spiritual weapons - not natural ones.
- They can exist in material objects, the natural world, spiritual realms, or all of the above.
- These songs construct a vision in which the natural, human, and supernatural worlds are intertwined.
- From the Renaissance onwards, study of the natural realm was increasingly distinguished from metaphysics.
6Bridge
(of a bid) straightforwardly reflecting one's holding of cards.
Often contrasted with conventional or artificial
Example sentencesExamples
- An up card may only be taken by combining it with cards from the player's hand to form a new meld: at least one of the cards from the player's hand must be natural.
- Between two otherwise equal hands, one made of natural cards beats one containing a joker.
- A straight flush is the best natural hand.
- Wild cards (jokers and twos) can normally be used in melds as substitutes for natural cards of the appropriate rank.
- You can only take the discard pile if you have a pair of natural cards in your hand which are of the same rank as the top card of the discard pile.
- Note that you must bid at least one club in order to make your bid, and the club must be natural (with no wild cards).
- A run with a natural top card will beat a run with a wild top card.
- An Ace high straight-flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand.
- If all the cards in it are natural, it is a pure canasta, indicated by stacking the cards together with a red card on top.
- This means players cannot take discard pile unless they have two natural cards of that type in hand.

nounˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl

1A person regarded as having an innate gift or talent for a particular task or activity.
she was a natural for the sort of television work required of her
Example sentencesExamples
- He is a natural for second base, but he can also play anywhere in the infield, and even the outfield if necessary.
- Then project leader believes Steve is a natural for the job.
- Being close to us makes this ape a natural for scientific studies, and much time and effort is spent in research.
- The instructor also noted that she was a natural and asked if she had had any prior training.
- Liu's martial arts skills make her a natural for the role, but Thurman proves to be a worthy adversary.
- His lyrical, handsome style made him a natural for classical roles and he was promoted soloist, then principal in 1983.
- His wild appearance and athletic ability made him a hit with fans and a natural for the ring.
- Shannon's looks, which he thoroughly capitalized on, made him a natural for television.
- Fletcher is a natural for that role, because he runs faster than most fullbacks and is built like one.
- The former Rangers striker was a natural for the role.
- Al Pacino is a natural for roles like this.
- For all his appeal, Spidey never seemed a natural for the screen.
- Sir Norman's success in the films that made him such an icon meant he was a natural for TV.
- Hannah told me that I was a natural for someone who had never really ridden a horse before.
- He is a natural for this spot, where he can concentrate on making tackles instead of providing deep coverage.
- Was it always this way, were you a natural for public speaking?
- From a performance standpoint, Monica Potter is a natural for this genre.
- Pat Kenny described him as a natural in front of camera and that cannot be disputed.
- Allinson has ably filled the show before, but Bruce is a natural for that time slot.
- His winning personality makes him a natural for such work and the show seems to be taking off quite nicely.
1. 1.1 A thing that is particularly suited for something.
  perky musical accompaniment would seem a natural for this series
  Example sentencesExamples
  Their story, combining heart-rending drama and gutsy determination, was a natural for the big screen.
  Although it wasn't written for him, the part of Miles Massey seemed a natural for George Clooney.
  Blackpool, with its Las Vegas aspirations and seedy seafront reality, is a natural for television drama.
  Work, particularly work that involves words and thought, is not a natural for film.
  Polenta is best known as a hearty winter side dish, but its sunny yellow color and sweet corn taste make it a natural for spring too.
  Internet communications are a natural for computer-assisted diagnosis and medication selection.
  Since pro contests are mostly of interest to younger people, this would seem like a natural for the magazines.
  In other words, it's a natural for the pages of the Fairfax press.
  The climate of the country allows beans to grow during most of the year, so they are a natural for inclusion in many dishes.
2Music
A sign (♮) denoting a natural note when a previous sign or the key signature would otherwise demand a sharp or a flat.
Example sentencesExamples
- Such appearances certainly suggest that the e flat in ex.3 is no scribal error for e natural.
1. 2.1 A natural note.
2. 2.2 Any of the longer keys on a keyboard instrument that are normally white.
3A creamy beige color.
Example sentencesExamples
- The shop was a sea of cornflower blues and shocking reds, mellow naturals and pastels and mysterious blacks.
- Colours are powdered pastels, warm naturals, primary colours and unusual accents.
- I mean, you can see there's a lot of pink in here, accented by naturals.
4(in a gambling game) a combination or score that immediately wins.
Example sentencesExamples
- You must have 2 naturals then you can play as many wild cards as you would like.
- A two-card hand of nine or a two-card hand of eight are considered naturals and do not take any hits.
1. 4.1 A hand of two cards making 21 in the first deal in blackjack and similar games.
2. 4.2 A first throw of 7 or 11 at craps.
5Fishing
An insect or other small creature used as bait, rather than an artificial imitation.
Example sentencesExamples
- Try the shrimp he said, referring to the purple natural, not the fly.
- When fishing such waters, under such conditions a better option is to go for smaller baits, either naturals or particles.
- Other flies are downright lures, which look nothing like a natural but provoke a response when pulled fast past a feeding trout.
- Small imitation naturals and light tippets should be used when fishing low, clear water.
6archaic A person born with a learning disability.
Example sentencesExamples
- They were deficient, but probably not to the extent that they might be called naturals or idiots.

adverbˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl

dialect, informal

Naturally.
keep walking—just act natural
Example sentencesExamples
- She is German, unused to the Hollywood tradition of Barbie-esque perfection, and acts natural.
- Ry's going to carry scars about that for the rest of her life no matter how natural she might act.
Synonyms
normally, in a natural manner, in a natural way, unaffectedly, spontaneously, genuinely, artlessly, unpretentiously

Origin

Middle English (in the sense ‘having a certain status by birth’): from Old French, from Latin naturalis, from natura ‘birth, nature, quality’ (see nature).

单词	natural
释义	Definition of natural in English: natural adjective ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl 1Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind. carrots contain a natural antiseptic natural disasters such as earthquakes Example sentencesExamples It provides them with a wonderful range of natural hues derived from clay, bark, flowers and berries. He noticed she was small, and her hair natural, slightly red and very silky, not long, and not short. This is the largest natural disaster that our nation has ever faced. Using homeopathy and a range of other natural treatments, Pat set out on a journey of recovery that was to see her body go from strength to strength. The natural medicine, derived from onions, is mixed with water and given to Paul through his feeding tube. Existing natural features and areas were identified as of ecological importance and were incorporated into the masterplan. How did a natural disaster turn into a national fiasco? Do you believe the federal government should impose gasoline price freezes during natural disasters? To let it heal spontaneously would be natural, even if debilitating for life. The food industry uses many other emulsifying substances, usually derived from natural foodstuffs. Well he thinks that I am a blonde deep down, even if my natural hair colour is brown. Loyal readers might remember that I am a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Red Sox are our natural rivals. The confined cage environment can never offer sufficient stimulation for their natural behaviour. Certainly, the military has a role to play in a major natural disaster. Based on the classical traditions of fragrance, he uses only pure natural ingredients. They were plant alkaloids and natural products - medicines derived from natural products. The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever. Many physicians recommend walking as a natural treatment to relieve depression. This is the largest natural disaster that this country has ever seen in terms of the destruction that has been caused. These events are unrelated, and humankind's vulnerability to natural hazards is as old as our species. Can you recommend a natural treatment that will make my hair look fuller? Every other type, even those derived from natural sources like soyabeans or wild yam, are put together in the test tube. There are several natural treatments that can have an impact on the immune imbalance in asthma. Geological experts said the disaster was due to natural causes. The challenge was to make the most of the space and improve the existing flow of natural light. The colour is derived from the natural chlorophyll that is given out by the ingredients. It is a natural compound derived from sugar cane wax, beeswax or yams. Depleted uranium is derived from natural uranium mined from the earth's crust. There are plenty of natural treatments for an underactive thyroid. Zookeepers run enrichment programmes to mimic the natural behaviour of the animals in the wild and to stimulate them in captivity. Carp seem to prefer different things in different lakes and natural behaviour is liable to become modified by angling pressure. Overall, seventy percent of pharmaceuticals now being used come from or are derived from natural products. I asked about a natural treatment at the health food store and was told to try tea tree oil. The natural disaster caused incalculable loss of life in many countries around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean. Since each woman is unique and reacts differently to natural treatments, try them out for yourself. 1.1 Having had a minimum of processing or preservative treatment. natural food our nutritional products are completely natural Example sentencesExamples A natural doctor can assist with nutritional recommendations and natural allergy treatments. Vegetables with a natural preservative, clay, are well sought after. A positive way to combat the state of our children's diets is to opt for natural, unprocessed foods. The additional benefit of using natural treatments is that they have no unwanted side effects. To me, cooking is all about capturing the natural flavour of the food, not smothering it - clean, tasty, fresh food that looks great. We get all the sodium we need from the natural ingredients of food. Composting is the natural process that turns autumn leaves into soil at the end of the year. We are not adapted to natural pesticides in our food as plant breeding accidents have adequately demonstrated. A very natural, non-mechanised process is what makes the final product possible. Synonyms unprocessed, organic, pure, wholesome, unrefined, pesticide-free, chemical-free, additive-free, unbleached, unmixed, real, plain, virgin, crude, raw 1.2 (of fabric) having a colour characteristic of the unbleached and undyed state; off-white. Example sentencesExamples In the living room, a large multipaned window swagged in natural linen takes center stage. She pinched her cheeks to give them a little more natural colour and moved to leave her room. Her hair has changed, too - brown, black, fair, blonde - so that even she is not sure what its natural colour is any more. The golden yellow colour is the natural colour of the butter made strictly from cow's milk, it was pointed out. Aged patina and marble finishes on fabrics will give subtle understated looks to natural fabrics. The unique feature of the mural painting is that only natural colours are used. 2In accordance with the nature of, or circumstances surrounding, someone or something. sharks have no natural enemies Example sentencesExamples Hence the plant response to attack will not only affect herbivore numbers, it will also affect the quality of the herbivore for other natural enemies. Other factors to be considered are the lack of any known natural enemies and its large native distribution. Dragonflies are natural enemies of mosquitoes, since they eat them. Canada is working to improve its understanding of these pests, including their natural enemies. That is a natural extension to the existing role of regulator of civil transport and airports for safety purposes. As they share basic values and are not far apart in their economic development, they are essentially natural partners. These people - and there are a lot of them - are not our natural enemies. They'll also explore ways to trap the borers and perhaps manipulate the behavior of their natural enemies. As people encounter new circumstances, the natural tendency is to seek a skilled mentor for guidance. Not going into the post offices to collect cash means that the natural customers, who would have bought other services, are not tempted. When we come to consider the aesthetics of the novel, what we are talking about is the extent to which fiction communicates emotion to its natural audience. 2.1attributive (of a person) having an innate skill or quality. he was a natural entertainer Example sentencesExamples And as a natural rebel, she was once suspended for three months for hurling obscenities at her coaches. The 23-year-old man is a natural athlete, who can both beat players and take his scores. But Stewart for his part never cared for the praise of his friend Henry Fonda that he was a natural actor. He was also a brilliant firefighter, a natural athlete and big into sport, they even did a big article on him in Sports Illustrated. For his part, Green insists he is not a natural writer. He is a man of strong, well-informed opinions - an obvious, natural scholar. I'd always been a natural writer and, by the time I was 18, I had my own column. With tennis you need a certain amount of technique - a natural sportsman wouldn't necessarily beat you. They are natural thieves, and quick to boot, so remember to keep your bag closed and your pockets out of reach. Then today, a piece from Dell, with the warning that she's ‘not a natural writer’. From the age of two, when he started using a pack of cards to learn how to count, it was clear Shivam would make a natural card player. He makes me laugh so often, he must be a natural comedian! He was the natural leader on the field and his performance in the final did a lot to inspire his team mates to victory. Johnny Cash was an American icon, a man who stood apart, a natural leader. He is not, he admits, a natural teacher, and for him, having to stick with a single subject would have resulted in crushing boredom. He viewed him as a natural leader who would rise in the military hierarchy. His excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding intellect make him a natural leader. A natural athlete she gravitated to basketball as an outlet for her skills. You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker. Mick who was one of life's natural gentlemen, was a singer and a comedian. He's also a former soldier and a natural leader. He was, by his own admission, far from a natural leader. A country of politicians, natural leaders, would-be prophets or gods would be very difficult to govern. Montrose was charming and gallant, a superb natural soldier with a rare ability to get the best out of his tiny army of ill-equipped Highlanders. Synonyms born, naturally gifted, untaught 2.2 (of a skill or quality) coming instinctively to a person; innate. Laura's natural adaptability enabled her to settle quickly Example sentencesExamples It's shocking that he hasn't written musicals before because he's a natural librettist. Discovering you have a natural talent or aptitude for something feels good. His strength is possessing skills and natural ability that no modern-era quarterback can match. The nature of men is described as often having a natural depravity that is hidden inside respectability. Of course, in your natural arrogance, you believe everything is essential. He discovered a natural flair and talent for the work. Yes, Manoj did have this natural flair for creating energy and pace! For each one it takes a certain amount of natural ability, but it also takes devotion, time, and commitment. He knew that he could do any theoretical question by using his proven natural talent and intuitive understanding of the subject. He is thrilled by the skills and enjoys the challenges associated with harnessing the natural talent and ensuring it continues to develop. Reaching great heights does not depend upon our natural talents and capabilities. There is no doubt that the Jamaican players have an abundance of natural ability, but in today's game that is not enough. Of course, that little fact obviously doesn't get rid of their natural arrogance. Finney was the more rounded player, a natural predator who regarded the pitch as a happy hunting ground and revelled in his natural ability to score goals. Lara has got tons of natural ability and is always looking to play shots. She knew what ingredients went into several spells, but didn't have the natural talent that enabled her to perform magic. They hide our real thoughts and intentions and subdue our natural belligerence. His natural confidence is allied with a realistic caution about his progress. Take a look at what you have to offer, your skills, your natural talents and in what situations you perform at your best. He had natural ability then and could always score goals. He has a natural aptitude for computation and is very quick at figure work. Only the reflexes and natural ability that years of practice had given him was keeping him close. There are many players who have better games than Henman, thanks to their innate natural talent. The owner has used his natural talent and skills to develop a well-trained group of people. The academy selects its students on the basis of natural talent, dedication and the capacity for hard work. Agreed - a certain amount of natural skill is required - but that skill needs to be properly nurtured. Synonyms innate, inborn, inherent, native, native-born, intrinsic, instinctive, instinctual, intuitive, natural-born, ingrained, built-in gut hereditary, inherited, inbred, congenital rare connate, connatural 2.3 (of a person or their behaviour) relaxed and unaffected; spontaneous. he replied with just a little too much nonchalance to sound natural Example sentencesExamples Perhaps this is because they mimic evolved solutions, so their behaviour seems more natural. She has said that she tries to sound natural and unaffected, and that's a laudable goal. We should all strive to adopt the natural, unselfconscious behavior of the child and live life in the present moment. Hurley wins out on all counts with his casual and natural look and behaviour. Let the natural and relaxed arm swing of walking or running become part of your skiing. He really identified with Socialist Worker as a fighting paper-it was all very spontaneous and natural! It not only gives it to you raw, but its acting is flawless, very natural and spontaneous and all around very believable. I just wanted the interaction between the kids and the parents to be natural. His portraits are especially effective and capture people's natural, spontaneous expressions. The natural, spontaneous flow of your life energy becomes blocked or dulled. Defined orders tend to be restrictive and do little to encourage ordinary, natural relationships between parents and children. Eventually, the jaws reach a natural, relaxed position, and no further adjustments are needed. The problem is not with Jones, who gives a natural and unaffected performance, but with her character's story. Nothing seems forced or fabricated, and the way in which they interact as families is natural and genuine. The left-footing was always mechanical and I hate that - I love being natural and spontaneous. Synonyms unaffected, spontaneous, uninhibited, straightforward, relaxed, unselfconscious, genuine, open, artless, guileless, ingenuous, unsophisticated, unpretentious, without airs, easy unstudied, unforced, uncontrived, unmannered, unstilted, unconstrained 2.4 Entirely to be expected. Ken was a natural choice for chairman Example sentencesExamples Patients should be thoroughly educated about the natural course of osteoarthritis. The message you hear is pre-recorded and of course your natural reaction is to put the phone down. He had been such a regular sight in Manchester's Oxfam that the staff thought he was the natural choice to open the new-look store. Boasting about how swimmingly this was going, and how much upstream clout he has, is entirely natural. Already negotiations with the public service unions are going on and these talks should be allowed to take their natural course. Of course the natural tendency is to ignore them and keep on doing the same thing I've been doing. Untreated, the natural course of minor depression is one to two years. I'm trying to let things take their natural course, but I don't know what that natural course is. Attractive and photogenic, he was the natural choice to visually represent the party and its programs. The high quality of local produce and the good supply chain meant it was a natural choice over cheaper ingredients from abroad. This achievement was not the result of policies imposed from above, but the natural outcome of a good educational system. Marriage was also seen as the natural course of a man's life, enabling him to function properly in his working life and fulfil his duty by fathering children. Patients eventually assume that their symptoms reflect a natural state that is part of their epilepsy. For him to want to continue a relationship with his child is perfectly natural. Even if McLeish claims otherwise, it would be entirely natural for him to prioritise the Champions League over the Premierleague. Pangs of conscience are, of course, a natural reaction to the taking of an innocent life. Perhaps it is natural for them to expect some kind of reward from the organisation. While the communities may feel a natural attachment for their surrounds, they legally have no claim to them. His original plan had been to allow the two men to become friends and let the talks take their natural course. While my family generally accepts all comers, in the natural course of things some are more loved than others. It is entirely natural for Indians to take pride in the successes of their erstwhile compatriots abroad. I had viewed morals, and moral behavior, as the natural outcome of reason alone. Without treatment, however, the natural course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen. During the natural course of bipolar affective disorder, relapses and recurrences are frequent. And, of course, the natural choice was for her to be drawn with a dolphin. These poor deluded racists seem to think that pathologies are the natural course of events for most people. Under such circumstances, it is natural for the public to resort to other means to get justice. Last year researchers launched the Decade of Behavior as a natural follow-up to the Decade of the Brain. If we consider how electronic music developed, this is perfectly natural. The large outer office looked bare and empty, but under the circumstances that was natural. The conclusion is that it is natural, and therefore inevitable, for people to behave that way, too. Your natural reactions to circumstances encourage success and the healthy growth of your ego and self-esteem. As a lifelong devotee to cycling, it was a natural choice for Rick to combine both of his greatest passions. I can't do anything else, so it was a natural choice for me. In fact of course the suffering is neither natural nor inevitable. What is natural, of course, is that sex leads to pregnancy - the very situation that women have spent generations trying to control. I grew up wanting to be a farmer - I loved being around animals and that was the natural choice. Of course, it's natural that we should feel like that. In the world of stiff competition, it is natural for the parents to force their children to excel in what they do. The two of you seem to like each other, so of course it would be natural for you to wed. Synonyms reasonable, logical, understandable, unsurprising, expected, (only) to be expected, predictable inevitable 2.5attributive (of law or justice) felt instinctively to be morally right and fair. you might feel that holding the teacher responsible for the results contravenes natural justice Example sentencesExamples Almost without noticing it, we lose touch with that spontaneity that is our natural inheritance. But their wishes, even pious ones, do not trump the natural right of parents to decide such a matter. Why do the natural rules of trust, common sense and due diligence for some reason not seem to apply online? The common law rules of natural justice or procedural fairness are two-fold. Recently there has been a tendency to revive the rule, although it is no longer based on natural law. The validity challenge is based on alleged breaches of the rules of natural justice in two respects. People wonder what happened to the rules of natural justice and the presumption of innocence. This was a breach of the rules of natural justice. As Aquinas explained, law is natural because it is ‘a purpose implanted by the Divine art’. No one would suggest that a court making orders of that sort should not comply with the common law rules of natural justice. His attorney claims that this ‘trial in absentia’ was a denial of natural justice. Even without a Human Rights Act, this legislation breaches every principle of natural justice and the rule of law. Last Thursday, I had three examples of events reaching their conclusions in a way that follows my rules of natural justice. This allegation comes on top of the fact that the rule of natural justice that accused have the right to a speedy trial has long since gone out of the window. Oral hearings may take place, to which the rules of natural justice apply. He argues the item was raised at last month's meeting without prior notice and in breach of standard procedures of natural justice. They will also be told that they must consider the application on its merits, observing the rules of natural justice. Breach of the rules of natural justice are jurisdictional grounds. There was no suggestion of any impropriety, or lack of regard for rules of natural justice. Thus in defending the rule of law, we must ourselves respect and be bound by the due process of law and the rules of natural justice. This not only impairs the fair market order but also violates the natural rule of justice. 3attributive (of a parent or child) related by blood. such adopted children always knew who their natural parents were Example sentencesExamples Due to my natural mum having psychological problems I was put into care when I was just a few days old. The same patterns can be seen in people who were raised by one or both of their natural parents, or by their grandparents. How can I stop my parents obviously favouring their natural grandchildren? The fact that the mother is the natural parent of all five children is, of course, a significant factor to take into account. The children concerned may have no contact with their parents or natural family. It says that it is a dynamic group aiming to enforce the rights of children to see their natural parents and grandparents. When his natural parents split up, the mother's new partner assaulted her and her son. They were taken from their natural parents and put in foster care, and some were even adopted. The second factor is mobility: children move, for example, between foster parents and natural parents. Does the child not have a right to inherit from its natural parent? The right time to consider what kind of contact natural parents are to have to children being adopted is on the occasion adoption is under consideration. The parents still believe the children have a close attachment to their natural parents and extended family network. Hielema has a brother who was also adopted and a sister who was a natural child of the parents who raised him. The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. She says she understands why adopted children are given the information to trace their natural parents Bernie said a lot of natural parents - mostly mothers - also wanted access to the files to see that they were accurate. A lower court ruled that because she was not a natural parent of the children, they were not her responsibility. Thus, the parents with higher intelligence test scores tended to have natural children with higher intelligence test scores. 3.1archaic (of a child) illegitimate. the Baron left a natural son by his mistress Example sentencesExamples Fathers also had legal obligations to provide for their natural children. He had had her legitimised as his natural daughter. Synonyms illegitimate, born out of wedlock informal, dated born on the wrong side of the blanket archaic bastard, misbegotten, baseborn, spurious rare adulterine 4Music (of a note) not sharp or flat. the bassoon plays G natural instead of A flat Example sentencesExamples A flat, natural, or sharp sign can be placed above it, to indicate a chromatic inflection of the upper note. 4.1 (of a brass instrument) having no valves and able to play only the notes of the harmonic series above a fundamental note. Example sentencesExamples However, a new dynamic emerges when the natural instrument is left untreated. In that way it's like playing a natural trumpet without valves. 4.2 Relating to the notes and intervals of the harmonic series. Example sentencesExamples Perhaps it's the natural harmony in the male-female vocal. A natural harmony singer, she fills that void that a single voice can often leave open. 5Christian Theology Relating to earthly human or physical nature as distinct from the spiritual or supernatural realm. Example sentencesExamples And I want to understand the nature of that power, be it spiritual or natural or a combination of the two. Scripture is made up of propositional truth statements, but the natural realm has no such statements. They can exist in material objects, the natural world, spiritual realms, or all of the above. They were designed to help the individual cope with perceived natural and supernatural adversity. From the Renaissance onwards, study of the natural realm was increasingly distinguished from metaphysics. In truth, for Pearce there is no division between natural and supernatural, at least not when she is at the top of her form. In our spiritual war, we need spiritual amour and spiritual weapons - not natural ones. Distinguishing between true and false in this realm is like distinguishing between straight and crooked in the natural realm. These songs construct a vision in which the natural, human, and supernatural worlds are intertwined. 6Bridge (of a bid) straightforwardly reflecting one's holding of cards. his bid of one heart was natural and positive Often contrasted with conventional or artificial Example sentencesExamples An Ace high straight-flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand. This means players cannot take discard pile unless they have two natural cards of that type in hand. A straight flush is the best natural hand. You can only take the discard pile if you have a pair of natural cards in your hand which are of the same rank as the top card of the discard pile. Between two otherwise equal hands, one made of natural cards beats one containing a joker. An up card may only be taken by combining it with cards from the player's hand to form a new meld: at least one of the cards from the player's hand must be natural. Wild cards (jokers and twos) can normally be used in melds as substitutes for natural cards of the appropriate rank. Note that you must bid at least one club in order to make your bid, and the club must be natural (with no wild cards). A run with a natural top card will beat a run with a wild top card. If all the cards in it are natural, it is a pure canasta, indicated by stacking the cards together with a red card on top. noun ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl 1A person having an innate talent for a particular task or activity. she was a natural for television work Example sentencesExamples Hannah told me that I was a natural for someone who had never really ridden a horse before. His wild appearance and athletic ability made him a hit with fans and a natural for the ring. For all his appeal, Spidey never seemed a natural for the screen. Shannon's looks, which he thoroughly capitalized on, made him a natural for television. The former Rangers striker was a natural for the role. Was it always this way, were you a natural for public speaking? Fletcher is a natural for that role, because he runs faster than most fullbacks and is built like one. Being close to us makes this ape a natural for scientific studies, and much time and effort is spent in research. Liu's martial arts skills make her a natural for the role, but Thurman proves to be a worthy adversary. Pat Kenny described him as a natural in front of camera and that cannot be disputed. Al Pacino is a natural for roles like this. He is a natural for this spot, where he can concentrate on making tackles instead of providing deep coverage. From a performance standpoint, Monica Potter is a natural for this genre. He is a natural for second base, but he can also play anywhere in the infield, and even the outfield if necessary. Allinson has ably filled the show before, but Bruce is a natural for that time slot. The instructor also noted that she was a natural and asked if she had had any prior training. His lyrical, handsome style made him a natural for classical roles and he was promoted soloist, then principal in 1983. Then project leader believes Steve is a natural for the job. Sir Norman's success in the films that made him such an icon meant he was a natural for TV. His winning personality makes him a natural for such work and the show seems to be taking off quite nicely. 1.1 A thing that is particularly suited for something. perky musical accompaniment would seem a natural for this series Example sentencesExamples Although it wasn't written for him, the part of Miles Massey seemed a natural for George Clooney. Since pro contests are mostly of interest to younger people, this would seem like a natural for the magazines. Polenta is best known as a hearty winter side dish, but its sunny yellow color and sweet corn taste make it a natural for spring too. Internet communications are a natural for computer-assisted diagnosis and medication selection. Work, particularly work that involves words and thought, is not a natural for film. Blackpool, with its Las Vegas aspirations and seedy seafront reality, is a natural for television drama. The climate of the country allows beans to grow during most of the year, so they are a natural for inclusion in many dishes. Their story, combining heart-rending drama and gutsy determination, was a natural for the big screen. In other words, it's a natural for the pages of the Fairfax press. 2Music A sign (♮) denoting a natural note when a previous sign or the key signature would otherwise demand a sharp or a flat. Example sentencesExamples Such appearances certainly suggest that the e flat in ex.3 is no scribal error for e natural. 2.1 A natural note. 2.2 Any of the longer, lower keys on a keyboard instrument that are normally white. 3mass noun An off-white colour. colour for the summer is defined by the trend towards naturals Example sentencesExamples Colours are powdered pastels, warm naturals, primary colours and unusual accents. I mean, you can see there's a lot of pink in here, accented by naturals. The shop was a sea of cornflower blues and shocking reds, mellow naturals and pastels and mysterious blacks. 4(in a gambling game) a combination or score that immediately wins. Example sentencesExamples You must have 2 naturals then you can play as many wild cards as you would like. A two-card hand of nine or a two-card hand of eight are considered naturals and do not take any hits. 4.1 A hand of two cards making 21 in the first deal in blackjack and similar games. 4.2 A first throw of 7 or 11 at craps. 5Fishing An insect or other small creature used as bait, rather than an artificial imitation. Example sentencesExamples Small imitation naturals and light tippets should be used when fishing low, clear water. When fishing such waters, under such conditions a better option is to go for smaller baits, either naturals or particles. Try the shrimp he said, referring to the purple natural, not the fly. Other flies are downright lures, which look nothing like a natural but provoke a response when pulled fast past a feeding trout. 6archaic A person born with a learning disability. Example sentencesExamples They were deficient, but probably not to the extent that they might be called naturals or idiots. adverb ˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)lˈnætʃ(ə)rəl dialect, informal Naturally. keep walking—just act natural Example sentencesExamples Ry's going to carry scars about that for the rest of her life no matter how natural she might act. She is German, unused to the Hollywood tradition of Barbie-esque perfection, and acts natural. Synonyms normally, in a natural manner, in a natural way, unaffectedly, spontaneously, genuinely, artlessly, unpretentiously Origin Middle English (in the sense 'having a certain status by birth'): from Old French, from Latin naturalis, from natura 'birth, nature, quality' (see nature). Definition of natural in US English: natural adjectiveˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl 1Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind. carrots contain a natural antiseptic that fights bacteria natural disasters such as earthquakes Example sentencesExamples Loyal readers might remember that I am a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Red Sox are our natural rivals. Well he thinks that I am a blonde deep down, even if my natural hair colour is brown. Geological experts said the disaster was due to natural causes. Zookeepers run enrichment programmes to mimic the natural behaviour of the animals in the wild and to stimulate them in captivity. Do you believe the federal government should impose gasoline price freezes during natural disasters? Can you recommend a natural treatment that will make my hair look fuller? This is the largest natural disaster that our nation has ever faced. He noticed she was small, and her hair natural, slightly red and very silky, not long, and not short. Using homeopathy and a range of other natural treatments, Pat set out on a journey of recovery that was to see her body go from strength to strength. The challenge was to make the most of the space and improve the existing flow of natural light. The natural medicine, derived from onions, is mixed with water and given to Paul through his feeding tube. Every other type, even those derived from natural sources like soyabeans or wild yam, are put together in the test tube. These events are unrelated, and humankind's vulnerability to natural hazards is as old as our species. It is a natural compound derived from sugar cane wax, beeswax or yams. The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever. How did a natural disaster turn into a national fiasco? They were plant alkaloids and natural products - medicines derived from natural products. The natural disaster caused incalculable loss of life in many countries around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean. It provides them with a wonderful range of natural hues derived from clay, bark, flowers and berries. I asked about a natural treatment at the health food store and was told to try tea tree oil. Certainly, the military has a role to play in a major natural disaster. Many physicians recommend walking as a natural treatment to relieve depression. Existing natural features and areas were identified as of ecological importance and were incorporated into the masterplan. There are plenty of natural treatments for an underactive thyroid. The colour is derived from the natural chlorophyll that is given out by the ingredients. To let it heal spontaneously would be natural, even if debilitating for life. Based on the classical traditions of fragrance, he uses only pure natural ingredients. Overall, seventy percent of pharmaceuticals now being used come from or are derived from natural products. Carp seem to prefer different things in different lakes and natural behaviour is liable to become modified by angling pressure. Since each woman is unique and reacts differently to natural treatments, try them out for yourself. The confined cage environment can never offer sufficient stimulation for their natural behaviour. The food industry uses many other emulsifying substances, usually derived from natural foodstuffs. Depleted uranium is derived from natural uranium mined from the earth's crust. There are several natural treatments that can have an impact on the immune imbalance in asthma. This is the largest natural disaster that this country has ever seen in terms of the destruction that has been caused. 1.1 (of fabric) having a color characteristic of the unbleached and undyed state; off-white. Example sentencesExamples Aged patina and marble finishes on fabrics will give subtle understated looks to natural fabrics. The golden yellow colour is the natural colour of the butter made strictly from cow's milk, it was pointed out. She pinched her cheeks to give them a little more natural colour and moved to leave her room. The unique feature of the mural painting is that only natural colours are used. Her hair has changed, too - brown, black, fair, blonde - so that even she is not sure what its natural colour is any more. In the living room, a large multipaned window swagged in natural linen takes center stage. 2Of or in agreement with the character or makeup of, or circumstances surrounding, someone or something. sharks have no natural enemies Example sentencesExamples Other factors to be considered are the lack of any known natural enemies and its large native distribution. As people encounter new circumstances, the natural tendency is to seek a skilled mentor for guidance. Canada is working to improve its understanding of these pests, including their natural enemies. They'll also explore ways to trap the borers and perhaps manipulate the behavior of their natural enemies. That is a natural extension to the existing role of regulator of civil transport and airports for safety purposes. Hence the plant response to attack will not only affect herbivore numbers, it will also affect the quality of the herbivore for other natural enemies. Not going into the post offices to collect cash means that the natural customers, who would have bought other services, are not tempted. These people - and there are a lot of them - are not our natural enemies. When we come to consider the aesthetics of the novel, what we are talking about is the extent to which fiction communicates emotion to its natural audience. Dragonflies are natural enemies of mosquitoes, since they eat them. As they share basic values and are not far apart in their economic development, they are essentially natural partners. 2.1attributive (of a person) born with a particular skill, quality, or ability. he was a natural entertainer Example sentencesExamples Then today, a piece from Dell, with the warning that she's ‘not a natural writer’. He was the natural leader on the field and his performance in the final did a lot to inspire his team mates to victory. A country of politicians, natural leaders, would-be prophets or gods would be very difficult to govern. Mick who was one of life's natural gentlemen, was a singer and a comedian. He was, by his own admission, far from a natural leader. His excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding intellect make him a natural leader. He makes me laugh so often, he must be a natural comedian! A natural athlete she gravitated to basketball as an outlet for her skills. He was also a brilliant firefighter, a natural athlete and big into sport, they even did a big article on him in Sports Illustrated. The 23-year-old man is a natural athlete, who can both beat players and take his scores. I'd always been a natural writer and, by the time I was 18, I had my own column. Johnny Cash was an American icon, a man who stood apart, a natural leader. You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker. He's also a former soldier and a natural leader. They are natural thieves, and quick to boot, so remember to keep your bag closed and your pockets out of reach. For his part, Green insists he is not a natural writer. From the age of two, when he started using a pack of cards to learn how to count, it was clear Shivam would make a natural card player. And as a natural rebel, she was once suspended for three months for hurling obscenities at her coaches. But Stewart for his part never cared for the praise of his friend Henry Fonda that he was a natural actor. He is not, he admits, a natural teacher, and for him, having to stick with a single subject would have resulted in crushing boredom. With tennis you need a certain amount of technique - a natural sportsman wouldn't necessarily beat you. He is a man of strong, well-informed opinions - an obvious, natural scholar. He viewed him as a natural leader who would rise in the military hierarchy. Montrose was charming and gallant, a superb natural soldier with a rare ability to get the best out of his tiny army of ill-equipped Highlanders. Synonyms born, naturally gifted, untaught 2.2 (of a skill, quality, or ability) coming instinctively to a person; innate. writing appears to demand muscular movements that are not natural to children Example sentencesExamples He has a natural aptitude for computation and is very quick at figure work. Yes, Manoj did have this natural flair for creating energy and pace! Of course, that little fact obviously doesn't get rid of their natural arrogance. He knew that he could do any theoretical question by using his proven natural talent and intuitive understanding of the subject. He discovered a natural flair and talent for the work. He had natural ability then and could always score goals. His natural confidence is allied with a realistic caution about his progress. Only the reflexes and natural ability that years of practice had given him was keeping him close. There is no doubt that the Jamaican players have an abundance of natural ability, but in today's game that is not enough. They hide our real thoughts and intentions and subdue our natural belligerence. Agreed - a certain amount of natural skill is required - but that skill needs to be properly nurtured. There are many players who have better games than Henman, thanks to their innate natural talent. Of course, in your natural arrogance, you believe everything is essential. Finney was the more rounded player, a natural predator who regarded the pitch as a happy hunting ground and revelled in his natural ability to score goals. Discovering you have a natural talent or aptitude for something feels good. The academy selects its students on the basis of natural talent, dedication and the capacity for hard work. The owner has used his natural talent and skills to develop a well-trained group of people. She knew what ingredients went into several spells, but didn't have the natural talent that enabled her to perform magic. Take a look at what you have to offer, your skills, your natural talents and in what situations you perform at your best. Lara has got tons of natural ability and is always looking to play shots. The nature of men is described as often having a natural depravity that is hidden inside respectability. He is thrilled by the skills and enjoys the challenges associated with harnessing the natural talent and ensuring it continues to develop. Reaching great heights does not depend upon our natural talents and capabilities. His strength is possessing skills and natural ability that no modern-era quarterback can match. For each one it takes a certain amount of natural ability, but it also takes devotion, time, and commitment. It's shocking that he hasn't written musicals before because he's a natural librettist. Synonyms innate, inborn, inherent, native, native-born, intrinsic, instinctive, instinctual, intuitive, natural-born, ingrained, built-in 2.3 (of a person or their behavior) relaxed and unaffected; spontaneous. he replied with too much nonchalance to sound natural Example sentencesExamples The natural, spontaneous flow of your life energy becomes blocked or dulled. Hurley wins out on all counts with his casual and natural look and behaviour. The left-footing was always mechanical and I hate that - I love being natural and spontaneous. His portraits are especially effective and capture people's natural, spontaneous expressions. I just wanted the interaction between the kids and the parents to be natural. Perhaps this is because they mimic evolved solutions, so their behaviour seems more natural. Eventually, the jaws reach a natural, relaxed position, and no further adjustments are needed. He really identified with Socialist Worker as a fighting paper-it was all very spontaneous and natural! We should all strive to adopt the natural, unselfconscious behavior of the child and live life in the present moment. She has said that she tries to sound natural and unaffected, and that's a laudable goal. Let the natural and relaxed arm swing of walking or running become part of your skiing. Defined orders tend to be restrictive and do little to encourage ordinary, natural relationships between parents and children. It not only gives it to you raw, but its acting is flawless, very natural and spontaneous and all around very believable. Nothing seems forced or fabricated, and the way in which they interact as families is natural and genuine. The problem is not with Jones, who gives a natural and unaffected performance, but with her character's story. Synonyms unaffected, spontaneous, uninhibited, straightforward, relaxed, unselfconscious, genuine, open, artless, guileless, ingenuous, unsophisticated, unpretentious, without airs, easy 2.4 Occurring as a matter of course and without debate; inevitable. Ken was a natural choice for coach Example sentencesExamples While the communities may feel a natural attachment for their surrounds, they legally have no claim to them. Boasting about how swimmingly this was going, and how much upstream clout he has, is entirely natural. Untreated, the natural course of minor depression is one to two years. I had viewed morals, and moral behavior, as the natural outcome of reason alone. Perhaps it is natural for them to expect some kind of reward from the organisation. The message you hear is pre-recorded and of course your natural reaction is to put the phone down. He had been such a regular sight in Manchester's Oxfam that the staff thought he was the natural choice to open the new-look store. During the natural course of bipolar affective disorder, relapses and recurrences are frequent. Without treatment, however, the natural course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen. Pangs of conscience are, of course, a natural reaction to the taking of an innocent life. It is entirely natural for Indians to take pride in the successes of their erstwhile compatriots abroad. Marriage was also seen as the natural course of a man's life, enabling him to function properly in his working life and fulfil his duty by fathering children. The conclusion is that it is natural, and therefore inevitable, for people to behave that way, too. As a lifelong devotee to cycling, it was a natural choice for Rick to combine both of his greatest passions. Last year researchers launched the Decade of Behavior as a natural follow-up to the Decade of the Brain. This achievement was not the result of policies imposed from above, but the natural outcome of a good educational system. If we consider how electronic music developed, this is perfectly natural. The large outer office looked bare and empty, but under the circumstances that was natural. While my family generally accepts all comers, in the natural course of things some are more loved than others. For him to want to continue a relationship with his child is perfectly natural. I'm trying to let things take their natural course, but I don't know what that natural course is. Patients should be thoroughly educated about the natural course of osteoarthritis. Of course the natural tendency is to ignore them and keep on doing the same thing I've been doing. Already negotiations with the public service unions are going on and these talks should be allowed to take their natural course. Even if McLeish claims otherwise, it would be entirely natural for him to prioritise the Champions League over the Premierleague. Of course, it's natural that we should feel like that. The two of you seem to like each other, so of course it would be natural for you to wed. What is natural, of course, is that sex leads to pregnancy - the very situation that women have spent generations trying to control. The high quality of local produce and the good supply chain meant it was a natural choice over cheaper ingredients from abroad. I can't do anything else, so it was a natural choice for me. I grew up wanting to be a farmer - I loved being around animals and that was the natural choice. His original plan had been to allow the two men to become friends and let the talks take their natural course. These poor deluded racists seem to think that pathologies are the natural course of events for most people. In fact of course the suffering is neither natural nor inevitable. Under such circumstances, it is natural for the public to resort to other means to get justice. In the world of stiff competition, it is natural for the parents to force their children to excel in what they do. And, of course, the natural choice was for her to be drawn with a dolphin. Attractive and photogenic, he was the natural choice to visually represent the party and its programs. Your natural reactions to circumstances encourage success and the healthy growth of your ego and self-esteem. Patients eventually assume that their symptoms reflect a natural state that is part of their epilepsy. Synonyms reasonable, logical, understandable, unsurprising, expected, to be expected, only to be expected, predictable 2.5attributive (of law or justice) based on innate moral sense; instinctively felt to be right and fair. See also natural law Example sentencesExamples Thus in defending the rule of law, we must ourselves respect and be bound by the due process of law and the rules of natural justice. But their wishes, even pious ones, do not trump the natural right of parents to decide such a matter. Oral hearings may take place, to which the rules of natural justice apply. People wonder what happened to the rules of natural justice and the presumption of innocence. The common law rules of natural justice or procedural fairness are two-fold. They will also be told that they must consider the application on its merits, observing the rules of natural justice. Last Thursday, I had three examples of events reaching their conclusions in a way that follows my rules of natural justice. No one would suggest that a court making orders of that sort should not comply with the common law rules of natural justice. As Aquinas explained, law is natural because it is ‘a purpose implanted by the Divine art’. The validity challenge is based on alleged breaches of the rules of natural justice in two respects. Even without a Human Rights Act, this legislation breaches every principle of natural justice and the rule of law. He argues the item was raised at last month's meeting without prior notice and in breach of standard procedures of natural justice. Recently there has been a tendency to revive the rule, although it is no longer based on natural law. Why do the natural rules of trust, common sense and due diligence for some reason not seem to apply online? His attorney claims that this ‘trial in absentia’ was a denial of natural justice. There was no suggestion of any impropriety, or lack of regard for rules of natural justice. Breach of the rules of natural justice are jurisdictional grounds. This allegation comes on top of the fact that the rule of natural justice that accused have the right to a speedy trial has long since gone out of the window. Almost without noticing it, we lose touch with that spontaneity that is our natural inheritance. This not only impairs the fair market order but also violates the natural rule of justice. This was a breach of the rules of natural justice. 3attributive (of a parent or child) related by blood. such adopted children always knew who their natural parents were Example sentencesExamples Hielema has a brother who was also adopted and a sister who was a natural child of the parents who raised him. They were taken from their natural parents and put in foster care, and some were even adopted. Thus, the parents with higher intelligence test scores tended to have natural children with higher intelligence test scores. The second factor is mobility: children move, for example, between foster parents and natural parents. Due to my natural mum having psychological problems I was put into care when I was just a few days old. The parents still believe the children have a close attachment to their natural parents and extended family network. When his natural parents split up, the mother's new partner assaulted her and her son. Bernie said a lot of natural parents - mostly mothers - also wanted access to the files to see that they were accurate. The fact that the mother is the natural parent of all five children is, of course, a significant factor to take into account. The children concerned may have no contact with their parents or natural family. The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. Does the child not have a right to inherit from its natural parent? She says she understands why adopted children are given the information to trace their natural parents The right time to consider what kind of contact natural parents are to have to children being adopted is on the occasion adoption is under consideration. How can I stop my parents obviously favouring their natural grandchildren? A lower court ruled that because she was not a natural parent of the children, they were not her responsibility. The same patterns can be seen in people who were raised by one or both of their natural parents, or by their grandparents. It says that it is a dynamic group aiming to enforce the rights of children to see their natural parents and grandparents. 3.1archaic Illegitimate. the Baron left a natural son by his mistress Example sentencesExamples He had had her legitimised as his natural daughter. Fathers also had legal obligations to provide for their natural children. Synonyms illegitimate, born out of wedlock 4Music (of a note) not sharped or flatted. postpositive, in combination the bassoon plays G-natural instead of A-flat Example sentencesExamples A flat, natural, or sharp sign can be placed above it, to indicate a chromatic inflection of the upper note. 4.1 (of a brass instrument) having no valves and able to play only the notes of the harmonic series above a fundamental note. Example sentencesExamples In that way it's like playing a natural trumpet without valves. However, a new dynamic emerges when the natural instrument is left untreated. 4.2 Relating to the notes and intervals of the harmonic series. Example sentencesExamples A natural harmony singer, she fills that void that a single voice can often leave open. Perhaps it's the natural harmony in the male-female vocal. 5Christian Theology Relating to earthly or unredeemed human or physical nature as distinct from the spiritual or supernatural realm. Example sentencesExamples And I want to understand the nature of that power, be it spiritual or natural or a combination of the two. Distinguishing between true and false in this realm is like distinguishing between straight and crooked in the natural realm. Scripture is made up of propositional truth statements, but the natural realm has no such statements. They were designed to help the individual cope with perceived natural and supernatural adversity. In truth, for Pearce there is no division between natural and supernatural, at least not when she is at the top of her form. In our spiritual war, we need spiritual amour and spiritual weapons - not natural ones. They can exist in material objects, the natural world, spiritual realms, or all of the above. These songs construct a vision in which the natural, human, and supernatural worlds are intertwined. From the Renaissance onwards, study of the natural realm was increasingly distinguished from metaphysics. 6Bridge (of a bid) straightforwardly reflecting one's holding of cards. Often contrasted with conventional or artificial Example sentencesExamples An up card may only be taken by combining it with cards from the player's hand to form a new meld: at least one of the cards from the player's hand must be natural. Between two otherwise equal hands, one made of natural cards beats one containing a joker. A straight flush is the best natural hand. Wild cards (jokers and twos) can normally be used in melds as substitutes for natural cards of the appropriate rank. You can only take the discard pile if you have a pair of natural cards in your hand which are of the same rank as the top card of the discard pile. Note that you must bid at least one club in order to make your bid, and the club must be natural (with no wild cards). A run with a natural top card will beat a run with a wild top card. An Ace high straight-flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand. If all the cards in it are natural, it is a pure canasta, indicated by stacking the cards together with a red card on top. This means players cannot take discard pile unless they have two natural cards of that type in hand. nounˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl 1A person regarded as having an innate gift or talent for a particular task or activity. she was a natural for the sort of television work required of her Example sentencesExamples He is a natural for second base, but he can also play anywhere in the infield, and even the outfield if necessary. Then project leader believes Steve is a natural for the job. Being close to us makes this ape a natural for scientific studies, and much time and effort is spent in research. The instructor also noted that she was a natural and asked if she had had any prior training. Liu's martial arts skills make her a natural for the role, but Thurman proves to be a worthy adversary. His lyrical, handsome style made him a natural for classical roles and he was promoted soloist, then principal in 1983. His wild appearance and athletic ability made him a hit with fans and a natural for the ring. Shannon's looks, which he thoroughly capitalized on, made him a natural for television. Fletcher is a natural for that role, because he runs faster than most fullbacks and is built like one. The former Rangers striker was a natural for the role. Al Pacino is a natural for roles like this. For all his appeal, Spidey never seemed a natural for the screen. Sir Norman's success in the films that made him such an icon meant he was a natural for TV. Hannah told me that I was a natural for someone who had never really ridden a horse before. He is a natural for this spot, where he can concentrate on making tackles instead of providing deep coverage. Was it always this way, were you a natural for public speaking? From a performance standpoint, Monica Potter is a natural for this genre. Pat Kenny described him as a natural in front of camera and that cannot be disputed. Allinson has ably filled the show before, but Bruce is a natural for that time slot. His winning personality makes him a natural for such work and the show seems to be taking off quite nicely. 1.1 A thing that is particularly suited for something. perky musical accompaniment would seem a natural for this series Example sentencesExamples Their story, combining heart-rending drama and gutsy determination, was a natural for the big screen. Although it wasn't written for him, the part of Miles Massey seemed a natural for George Clooney. Blackpool, with its Las Vegas aspirations and seedy seafront reality, is a natural for television drama. Work, particularly work that involves words and thought, is not a natural for film. Polenta is best known as a hearty winter side dish, but its sunny yellow color and sweet corn taste make it a natural for spring too. Internet communications are a natural for computer-assisted diagnosis and medication selection. Since pro contests are mostly of interest to younger people, this would seem like a natural for the magazines. In other words, it's a natural for the pages of the Fairfax press. The climate of the country allows beans to grow during most of the year, so they are a natural for inclusion in many dishes. 2Music A sign (♮) denoting a natural note when a previous sign or the key signature would otherwise demand a sharp or a flat. Example sentencesExamples Such appearances certainly suggest that the e flat in ex.3 is no scribal error for e natural. 2.1 A natural note. 2.2 Any of the longer keys on a keyboard instrument that are normally white. 3A creamy beige color. Example sentencesExamples The shop was a sea of cornflower blues and shocking reds, mellow naturals and pastels and mysterious blacks. Colours are powdered pastels, warm naturals, primary colours and unusual accents. I mean, you can see there's a lot of pink in here, accented by naturals. 4(in a gambling game) a combination or score that immediately wins. Example sentencesExamples You must have 2 naturals then you can play as many wild cards as you would like. A two-card hand of nine or a two-card hand of eight are considered naturals and do not take any hits. 4.1 A hand of two cards making 21 in the first deal in blackjack and similar games. 4.2 A first throw of 7 or 11 at craps. 5Fishing An insect or other small creature used as bait, rather than an artificial imitation. Example sentencesExamples Try the shrimp he said, referring to the purple natural, not the fly. When fishing such waters, under such conditions a better option is to go for smaller baits, either naturals or particles. Other flies are downright lures, which look nothing like a natural but provoke a response when pulled fast past a feeding trout. Small imitation naturals and light tippets should be used when fishing low, clear water. 6archaic A person born with a learning disability. Example sentencesExamples They were deficient, but probably not to the extent that they might be called naturals or idiots. adverbˈnætʃ(ə)rəlˈnaCH(ə)rəl dialect, informal Naturally. keep walking—just act natural Example sentencesExamples She is German, unused to the Hollywood tradition of Barbie-esque perfection, and acts natural. Ry's going to carry scars about that for the rest of her life no matter how natural she might act. Synonyms normally, in a natural manner, in a natural way, unaffectedly, spontaneously, genuinely, artlessly, unpretentiously Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘having a certain status by birth’): from Old French, from Latin naturalis, from natura ‘birth, nature, quality’ (see nature).
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