Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - natural

(naturals) Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English. 1. If you say that it is natural for someone to act in a particular way or for something to happen in that way, you mean that it is reasonable in the circumstances. It is only natural for youngsters to crave the excitement of driving a fast car... A period of depression can be a perfectly natural response to certain aspects of life. = normal ? unnatural, unusual ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf/that 2. Natural behaviour is shared by all people or all animals of a particular type and has not been learned. ...the insect’s natural instinct to feed... Anger is the natural reaction we experience when we feel threatened or frustrated. ADJ 3. Someone with a natural ability or skill was born with that ability and did not have to learn it. She has a natural ability to understand the motives of others... He had a natural flair for business. = instinctive ADJ: usu ADJ n 4. If you say that someone is a natural, you mean that they do something very well and very easily. He’s a natural with any kind of engine... She proved to be a natural on camera. N-COUNT: usu a N in sing 5. If someone’s behaviour is natural, they appear to be relaxed and are not trying to hide anything. Bethan’s sister was as friendly and natural as the rest of the family... ? forced ADJ • naturally For pictures of people behaving naturally, not posing for the camera, it is essential to shoot unnoticed... She is magnificent at making you feel you can talk quite naturally to her. ADV: ADV after v • naturalness The critics praised the reality of the scenery and the naturalness of the acting. N-UNCOUNT 6. Natural things exist or occur in nature and are not made or caused by people. It has called the typhoon the worst natural disaster in South Korea in many years... The gigantic natural harbour of Poole is a haven for boats. ? artificial, man-made ADJ: ADJ n • naturally Nitrates are chemicals that occur naturally in water and the soil... ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj 7. If someone dies of or from natural causes, they die because they are ill or old rather than because of an accident or violence. According to the Home Office, your brother died of natural causes... PHRASE: usu prep PHR