Naturel

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterizing qualities or elements inherent in the physical world; relating to phenomena not altered by human intervention; expressing something in an ordinary, unaffected, or genuine way
2. Pertaining to the inherent features of the environment and living organisms; describing processes or attributes existing without artificial influence; representing a spontaneous or uncontrived manner
3. Denoting natural occurrences or characteristics found in the physical universe; indicating traits or conditions arising without human modification; conveying simplicity or authenticity in expression or behavior

Etymology: "Naturel" is the French adjective meaning "natural," and it reached English as a loan from French. The English adjective "natural" itself came in through Old French "naturel" from Latin "naturalis," which was built on "natura," meaning birth, nature, or the essential quality of a thing. The Latin root goes back to "nasci," "to be born," which is why nature has always carried a sense of what something is by birth. In English, "naturel" survives mostly as a borrowed form, used in older writing and in phrases such as a "naturel" disposition, where it means a person's inborn character or temperament rather than anything about the physical world. Writers who wanted a touch of French polish used it that way, and the sense of innate qualities has stayed closer to the word than the sense of wilderness or the outdoors.

Synonyms: natural, innate, inherent, native, authentic

Antonyms: artificial, unnatural, synthetic