Definition of Naturalism
Quick Meaning of Naturalism
An artistic movement taking realism further by emphasizing scientific observation and often depicting harsh, brutal aspects of life; also a philosophical view that nature operates by natural laws without supernatural elements.
Detailed Definition of Naturalism
An artistic and literary movement (late 19th-early 20th century) pushing realism further by emphasizing scientific observation, determinism, and often sordid or brutal aspects of human existence.
How to Pronounce Naturalism
Stress pattern: Oooo (4-syllable word).
Tip: NATCH-ur-ul-iz-um. Stress the first syllable (NATCH). Five syllables: NATCH-ur-ul-iz-um. Not 'na-TUR-al-iz-um'—that's incorrect stress.
Watch out: Learners often stress second syllable: 'na-TUR-al-iz-um'. Correct: NATCH-ur-ul-iz-um with stress on first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Naturalism
From Latin 'naturalis' (relating to nature, natural) + '-ism' (movement, doctrine). Suggests explanation through 'nature' and natural laws, not supernaturalism or spirituality. Root 'natus' means 'born', emphasizing physical/biological reality.
How to Use Naturalism in a Sentence
Each example shows “naturalism” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Zola's naturalism, grounded in scientific method, depicted how heredity and environment determined character and fate.”
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“naturalism unflinchingly portrayed bodily experience, poverty, and social degradation as legitimate subjects.”
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“Philosophical naturalism claims that physical reality and natural laws account for all phenomena without divine causation.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Naturalism
Common Synonyms for Naturalism
Smart Synonyms for Naturalism — When to Use Each
- realism
- Artistic representation of reality; less deterministic and scientific
- materialism
- Philosophical doctrine; broader than naturalism's artistic/literary focus
- determinism
- Philosophical doctrine about causation; narrower than naturalism's scope
Antonyms of Naturalism
Common Collocations with Naturalism
These phrases pair with “naturalism” in everyday English:
- literary naturalism
- naturalist novel
- naturalist fiction
- naturalist observation
- philosophical naturalism
Common Mistakes When Using Naturalism
Even fluent speakers slip up with “naturalism”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I have many naturalism.
- ✓ Correct: I have many naturalisms.
- Why: Use plural form after "many".
- ✗ Wrong: The naturalism are good.
- ✓ Correct: The naturalism is good.
- Why: Singular noun "naturalism" requires "is".
- ✗ Wrong: This is a naturalism of importance.
- ✓ Correct: This is a naturalism of significance.
- Why: "Significance" is more formal and precise than "importance" in academic writing.
Other Forms of Naturalism
- Noun: naturalism
- Adjective: naturalistic
- Adverb: naturalistically
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalism
What is the meaning of "Naturalism"?
An artistic movement taking realism further by emphasizing scientific observation and often depicting harsh, brutal aspects of life; also a philosophical view that nature operates by natural laws without supernatural elements.
How do you pronounce "Naturalism"?
The IPA is /ˈnætʃərəlɪzəm/. NATCH-ur-ul-iz-um. Stress the first syllable (NATCH). Five syllables: NATCH-ur-ul-iz-um. Not 'na-TUR-al-iz-um'—that's incorrect stress.
What part of speech is "Naturalism"?
"Naturalism" is a noun at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Naturalism"?
Common synonyms include determinism, materialism, scientific observation.
How do you use "Naturalism" in a sentence?
For example: "Zola's naturalism, grounded in scientific method, depicted how heredity and environment determined character and fate."