naturalistic

[nach-er-uh-lis-tik, nach-ruh-]

adjective

1. imitating nature or the usual natural surroundings.

2. pertaining to naturalists or natural history.

3. pertaining to naturalism, especially in literature and art.

naturalistic

/ ˌnætʃrəˈlɪstɪk, -tʃərə- /

adjective

1. of, imitating, or reproducing nature in effect or characteristics

2. of or characteristic of naturalism, esp in art or literature

3. of or relating to naturalists

4. (of an ethical theory) permitting the inference of ethical judgments from statements of nonethical fact See Hume's law

Other Word Forms

• naturalistically adverb
• antinaturalistic adjective
• nonnaturalistic adjective
• unnaturalistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of naturalistic¹

First recorded in 1830–40; natural + -istic

Example Sentences

In keeping with Walker-Silverman’s naturalistic approach, “Rebuilding” eschews a conventional plot, instead observing Dusty’s negotiation of an outside world he’s tried to avoid.

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Nevertheless, it’s a Grand Guignol finish to what has previously been an effective, affecting and strictly naturalistic new interpretation of this canonical drama.

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In his description of Giotto’s naturalistic painting of the 14th century, Vasari hailed a “rebirth” of the arts, beginning then and carrying into the age of his own Medici patrons.

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In “Little Woods,” DaCosta cast her in a naturalistic drama similar to Jennifer Lawrence’s early breakout role in “Winter’s Bone,” but also one that most likely wouldn’t otherwise be offered to her.

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There are many scenes where Robinson abandons his jittery schtick to allow Ron’s frustration and hangdog fatigue with his life to guide them, anchoring the absurdity in Robinson’s naturalistic charm.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• down-to-earth 
• hard-boiled 
• lifelike 
• sober 
• unsentimental