Nonnatural

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

  1. Not existing in or produced by the physical world; artificial, synthetic, or contrary to the inherent order of things
  2. Not originating from nature or influenced by natural processes
  3. characterized by being artificial, unnatural, or outside the realm of the physical world's natural order

Etymology: The term "nonnatural" has a straightforward yet intriguing origin, stemming from the combination of the prefix "non-" and the word "natural." The prefix "non-" comes from Latin "non," meaning "not," which has been adopted into English to negate the meaning of the base word it precedes. In this case, "natural" derives from the Latin "naturalis," which refers to that which is inherent or a product of nature. Together, these components create a word that explicitly denotes something that is not natural or is contrary to the natural order. "Nonnatural" first entered the English lexicon in the early 20th century, with a recorded usage around the 1920s. Its application spans various fields, notably in philosophy, literature, and the sciences, where it is employed to discuss concepts, states, or phenomena that diverge from what is considered natural. The word has been particularly useful in debates about ethics, where discussions about what constitutes "natural" behavior versus "nonnatural" actions can evoke strong opinions and lead to deeper inquiries into human conduct and morality. As this term developed, it began to take on broader implications, evolving from a simple negation of "natural" to encompass ideas around artificiality, human intervention, and even existential themes. In literature and philosophy, "nonnatural" is often used to provoke thought about the boundaries of human existence and the implications of actions that stray from what is commonly accepted as part of the natural world. Thus, it serves not only as a linguistic tool but as a springboard for deeper philosophical discussions that resonate through various aspects of culture and society.

Synonyms: artificial, unnatural, synthetic

Antonyms: natural, organic, genuine