Naturalism Meaning
/nˈætʃərəˌlɪzəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA state of nature; conformity to nature.
nounThe doctrine that denies a supernatural agency in the miracles and revelations recorded in religious texts and in spiritual influences.
Sentence Examples
There's the tradition of naturalism.
The author's writing is a great example of literary naturalism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The director's ____ in the film showed the harsh realities of working-class life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The literary critic discussed the role of ____ in 19th-century novels, emphasizing how authors tried to depict real life as several accurately as possible.
Word Origin & History
From natural + -ism. Compare French naturalisme.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"More perfect than all in design and technique is a relief of a goat suckling her young, characterised, as it is, not only by naturalism, but also, as Mr. Evans claims, "by a certain ideal dignity and balance.""
— 1907, Ronald M. Burrows, The Discoveries In Crete, page 21:
"In most of the world nudity is prohibited. Where it is not, such as where "Nudism" and "Naturalism" prevails, it is usually the main thing going on."
— 2002, Ishvara, Oneness in Living: Kundalini Yoga, the Spiritual Path, and the Intentional Community, page 133:
""In the early 1950s, naturalism was seriously studied by the U.S. military, the concept being that exercising in the nude, as the ancient Greek generals did, was good for both the body and the mind," Seacrest reveals."
— 3 December 2002, Corey Michaels, “Area 51 Shocker”, in Weekly World News:
"Besides progressive trends from the West, defenders of naturalism also called attention to "primitive" minorities who, like innocent children, were construed as effortless practitioners of naturalism with physical strength and beauty."
— 2013, Yunxiang Gao, Sporting Gender: Women Athletes and Celebrity-Making during China's National Crisis, 1931–45:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The director's ____ in the film showed the harsh realities of working-class life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The literary critic discussed the role of ____ in 19th-century novels, emphasizing how authors tried to depict real life as several accurately as possible.