natural

Existing in the world without being made by people.

• The floor is made of natural stone.
• This room gets plenty of natural light.
• We use natural materials whenever possible.

Opposites: artificial, synthetic

Common phrases: natural resources, natural materials, natural light

In its usual, unchanged state, or happening in a way that seems normal.

• That is her natural hair color.
• Leave the land in its natural state.
• Feeling nervous before an interview is natural.

How to use it: it is natural for someone to do something (It is natural for children to ask questions.)

Similar words: normal, unaltered

Opposites: unnatural

Common phrases: natural state, natural hair color, a natural reaction

Belonging to someone or something because of what they are, rather than being added or learned.

• The animals returned to their natural habitat.
• She has a natural ability to understand people.
• Protecting their young is a natural instinct for many animals.

Similar words: inherent, innate

Opposites: acquired

Common phrases: natural habitat, natural ability, natural instinct

Normal and easy to understand in a particular situation.

• Your reaction was perfectly natural.
• It is natural to feel tired after a long journey.
• His wish to help was a natural response to the news.

How to use it: it is natural to do something (It is natural to feel sad after saying goodbye.); it is natural that … (It is natural that she wants more information.); it is natural for someone to do something (It is natural for parents to worry about their children.)

Similar words: normal, understandable, expected

Opposites: unnatural

Common phrases: a natural reaction, only natural, natural to feel

Someone who can do something well from the beginning, without much training.

• She is a natural at tennis.
• He had never acted before, but he was a natural.
• Our new teacher is a natural with children.

How to use it: a natural at something (She is a natural at painting.); a natural with someone/something (He is a natural with young children.)

Common phrases: a natural at something, a natural performer, a real natural

A breast whose size or shape has not been changed by surgery.

• She said her breasts were naturals.
• The forum used the word naturals for breasts without implants.
• He rudely asked whether hers were naturals.

Common phrases: big naturals, a pair of naturals