Naturelle

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. A term used to describe something in its natural state, often referring to purity or authenticity in form and character
2. Pertaining to a style or approach that emphasizes simplicity and organic qualities
3. Describing elements that are unaltered by artificial processes, reflecting a genuine essence

Etymology: "Naturelle" is the feminine form of the French adjective "naturel", meaning natural, and it reached English as a term for an unmarried, unpretentious sense of plainness, though the exact pathway is uncertain. French "naturel" descends from Latin "naturalis", derived from "natura", "nature", which in turn comes from the verb "nasci", "to be born". So the root idea is simply what something is by birth or inborn character. In English the feminine form appears mainly in the noun sense used for a woman who is unaffected or, in older usage, a person considered a natural or innocent figure. The masculine "naturel" and feminine "naturelle" both entered English from French, and the feminine is typically kept where the French gender agreement is preserved, as in fashion, cookery, and description of styles.

Synonyms: natural

Antonyms: artificial, unnatural