naturally
gb/nˈæt͡ʃɚəli/ us/nˈæt͡ʃɚəli/
A2
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
In a normal or expected way
In the way that is usual or what you would expect.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] naturally [verb/adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'naturally' with 'of course' when expressing agreement; while related, 'naturally' here means 'in a normal way'.
Synonyms
normally (Very close in meaning but slightly more formal and less emotive.)
|
typically (Emphasizes common patterns rather than inevitability.)
Antonyms
unnaturally (Indicates something happens in a strange or artificial way.)
Collocations
naturally occur
|naturally develop
|naturally follow
|naturally lead to
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Ice naturally melts when the temperature rises above zero.
- As the conversation went on, we naturally started talking about our families.
- Children naturally learn their first language without formal teaching.
- The two chemicals will naturally react if mixed.
Learner examples
- Babies naturally cry when they are hungry.
- Water naturally flows downhill.
- He naturally smiled when he saw his friend.
adverb
B1
property
2
Without artificial help
Without using any special help or chemicals; by itself.
Usage pattern:
[something] naturally [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'naturally' here with 'normally'; this sense focuses on the absence of artificial methods.
Synonyms
organically (Often used for food; implies no synthetic chemicals.)
Antonyms
artificially (Describes something made or caused by people rather than by nature.)
Collocations
naturally grown
|naturally occurring minerals
|naturally sweet
Themes
science
|daily life
|nature
|food_drink
|health
Examples
- These tomatoes were grown naturally without pesticides.
- Diamonds can form naturally deep underground.
- Her hair is naturally curly.
Learner examples
- This fruit is naturally sweet.
- Oil comes naturally from the ground.
- Her hair grows naturally in that shape.
adverb
B1
property
3
Without effort or training
Easily and without trying, because of talent or instinct.
Usage pattern:
[someone] naturally [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse 'naturally' here to mean 'well'; it specifically means 'without effort'.
Synonyms
effortlessly (Focuses on ease of action rather than origin in talent.)
Antonyms
awkwardly (Describes doing something in an uncomfortable or unnatural way.)
Collocations
naturally talented
|speak naturally
|act naturally
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She sings so beautifully and naturally.
- He moved naturally on stage, as if he had been acting for years.
- Try to speak naturally during the interview.
Learner examples
- He draws very naturally.
- She dances naturally without thinking about it.
- I want to talk naturally with my new friends.
adverb
B1
relation
4
As a logical result
Because it is the logical result of something else.
Usage pattern:
[something], naturally, [result]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'of course' as agreement; here it refers to cause and effect.
Synonyms
inevitably (Stronger emphasis on impossibility of avoiding the outcome.)
Antonyms
unexpectedly (Indicates the result was not predicted or logical.)
Collocations
and naturally
|would naturally lead to
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He forgot her birthday, and naturally she was upset.
- If you eat too much sugar, naturally you will gain weight.
- They trained hard, so naturally they won the match.
Learner examples
- It rained, so naturally the ground was wet.
- She studied hard. Naturally, she passed the test.
- He was late. Naturally, she was angry.
adverb
B2
property
5
Polite agreement or understanding
A polite way to say you understand or agree that something is obvious.
Usage pattern:
Naturally, [statement]
Synonyms
of course ('Of course' is more common and slightly less formal.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 'Will you keep this secret?' 'Naturally.'
- 'You’ll be careful?' 'Naturally.'
- Naturally, we all wanted to help.
Learner examples
- 'Will you come?' 'Naturally.'
- Naturally, I said yes to the invitation.
- 'Can you help me?' 'Naturally.'
Grammar
Dictionary form
naturally
IPA
GB/nˈæt͡ʃɚəli/
US/nˈæt͡ʃɚəli/
Syllables & stress
nat - ur - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (nat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: naturally
- Plural: naturallies
Word family
Forms
naturallies
noun
Related words
naturalness
noun B2
naturalist
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unnatural
adjective B1
unnaturally
adverb
Advanced or less common
naturalize
verb
naturalization
noun B2
Expressions
act naturally
1/ˈækt nˈæt͡ʃɚəli/
fixed phrase
Behave in a normal relaxed way
To behave in your usual way without trying to impress or pretend.
Examples
- When the camera starts rolling, just act naturally.
- He told me to act naturally around her even though I was nervous.
come naturally (to someone)
1/kˈʌm nˈæt͡ʃɚəli tə sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
Be easy without effort or training
To be easy for someone to do without needing to learn much.
Examples
- Cooking seems to come naturally to her.
- Speaking in public doesn't come naturally to everyone.
go naturally with [something]
1/ɡˈoʊ nˈæt͡ʃɚəli wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Match well without forcing or planning
To look good or work well together without trying.
Examples
- This color goes naturally with wooden furniture.
- Her calm nature goes naturally with teaching young children.