What is naturally? Pronunciation and usage in English

naturally means . Learn how to pronounce and use naturally through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of naturally

naturallyadverb

/ˈnatʃ(ə)rəli/
Definition & pronunciation of naturally

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "naturally" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Initial Sounds:

  • "N": Pronounced like the "n" in "no". Simple!
  • "a": Pronounced like the "a" in "father." (a long "a" sound)
  • "t": Pronounced like the "t" in "top."
  • "u": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like the "oo" in "moon" or "food." It's a diphthong, meaning it blends two vowel sounds.

2. The "rally" part:

  • "rally": Pronounced like "rale-ee." It’s important to emphasize that “ee” sound. Think of a small, quick “ee” like in the word “see.” It’s not like the “rale” in “railroad.”
  • "ly": This is a suffix that turns a word into an adverb. It’s pronounced like “lee.”

Putting it all together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: "Nuh-tah-ruh-ly"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "Nuh-tah-ruh-ly".
  • The "u" sound: Really focus on making that “oo” sound like in “moon.” Don't let it become a short "uh" sound.
  • Practice slowly: Break the word down into its parts and practice each part separately before putting it all together.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find audio examples on websites like:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/naturally/ (This is a great resource as it has many different speakers pronouncing the word.)
    • Google Translate: Type "naturally" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "naturally"?

Usage and examples with the word naturally in English

Let's break down how to use the word "naturally" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word, and understanding its nuances will make your writing and speaking clearer and more impactful.

1. Basic Meaning: In a way that is honest and sincere; without trying hard.

This is the most common usage. It describes something that happens easily and without effort, or something that aligns with someone's character.

  • Example: "She sings naturally, like a true musician." (Meaning she doesn't strain or force her voice – it’s just how she sings.)
  • Example: "He's a naturally friendly person; everyone likes him." (Meaning he’s inherently kind and approachable.)
  • Example: "The leaves turned brown and fell naturally in the autumn." (Meaning it happened as part of the regular cycle of the seasons).

2. Describing Appearance or Features:

"Naturally" is often used to describe physical characteristics that appear without makeup or artificial enhancements.

  • Example: "She has naturally blonde hair."
  • Example: "He has naturally tanned skin."
  • Example: “She looks good naturally - she doesn't need a lot of makeup.”

3. Describing a Process or Outcome (often implying it's the best or most appropriate way):

Here, "naturally" suggests a process that’s intuitive or arises as a consequence of other events.

  • Example: “As the water boiled, steam rose naturally.” (Meaning steam rose as a direct result of the water boiling, it wasn’t forced).
  • Example: “Following the trail, the path led naturally to the river.” (Meaning the path followed logically to the river without any strenuous effort.)

4. Expressing a Reaction or Feeling (a spontaneous response):

  • Example: “I laughed naturally when he told that joke.” (Meaning you laughed without thinking about it – it was a spontaneous reaction.)
  • Example: "She reacted naturally to the situation, offering help immediately." (Meaning she responded in a genuine and appropriate way.)

Important Considerations and Potential Pitfalls:

  • Overuse: “Naturally” is a frequently overused word. Many people use it as a filler or to add a sense of formality that isn’t needed. Consider if there's a stronger, more precise word you can use instead.
  • False Impression: Be careful when using it to describe someone's personality. Sometimes, things that seem "natural" might be the result of careful training or behavior. ("He’s naturally good at tennis" could imply he never practiced, which might not be true.)
  • Alternatives: Sometimes, a different word will convey the same meaning more effectively:
    • Easily: "She sings easily."
    • Instinctively: "He reacted instinctively."
    • Simply: "The path led simply to the river."
    • Authentically: "She expresses herself authentically."

Here's a quick summary table:

Usage Meaning Example
Personality Inherent, genuine “He’s naturally patient.”
Appearance Without artificial enhancement “She has naturally red hair.”
Process/Outcome Logical, occurring as a consequence “The rain fell naturally.”
Reaction/Feeling Spontaneous, sincere “I responded naturally to his concern.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing or speaking are you trying to improve? (e.g., creative writing, professional emails, casual conversation)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're considering using "naturally"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word naturally

Idioms of the word naturally

come naturally (to somebody/something)
if something comes naturally to you, you are able to do it very easily and very well
  • Making money came naturally to him.
  • We were simply doing what came naturally.

Practice with vocabulary naturally

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given her extensive expertise in the field, she would _________ be the primary consultant for the new initiative.
  2. When a team is highly motivated and well-coordinated, solutions to complex problems often emerge _________.
  3. The company’s decision to invest in renewable energy was seen as an _________ part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
  4. If the security system detects an unauthorized entry, it will _________ trigger an alarm and notify the authorities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which word(s) best describe(s) the way a healthy plant grows towards sunlight without external intervention? a) artificially b) naturally c) reluctantly d) forcibly
  2. A good leader's concern for their team should come ____, not be feigned or forced. a) reluctantly b) superficially c) naturally d) artificially
  3. Which word(s) best describe(s) how a child often learns their first language without formal instruction? a) laboriously b) spontaneously c) mechanically d) naturally
  4. His reaction to the sudden, shocking news was purely ____; he hadn't prepared for it. a) premeditated b) deliberate c) spontaneous d) calculated
  5. The ability to adapt quickly to new technologies is often considered an ____ trait in successful startups. a) external b) superficial c) inherent d) acquired

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is to be expected that a healthy economy will experience periods of both growth and contraction.
  2. Her ability to understand and articulate complex philosophical concepts seemed to require no effort at all.
  3. The candidate's passion for social justice appeared to be an inborn quality rather than something he developed later.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given her extensive expertise in the field, she would naturally be the primary consultant for the new initiative.
  2. When a team is highly motivated and well-coordinated, solutions to complex problems often emerge naturally.
  3. The company’s decision to invest in renewable energy was seen as an inherent part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
  4. If the security system detects an unauthorized entry, it will automatically trigger an alarm and notify the authorities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) naturally
  2. c) naturally
  3. b) spontaneously, d) naturally
  4. c) spontaneous
  5. c) inherent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A healthy economy will naturally experience periods of both growth and contraction.
  2. Her ability to understand and articulate complex philosophical concepts came to her naturally.
  3. The candidate's passion for social justice appeared to be an innate quality rather than something he developed later.

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