-- Nat"ti*ly, adv. -- Nat"ti*ness, n.
Nat"u*ral (?; 135), a. [OE. naturel, F. naturel, fr. L. naturalis, fr.
natura. See Nature.] 1. Fixed or determined by nature; pertaining to
the constitution of a thing; belonging to native character; according
to nature; essential; characteristic; not artificial, foreign, assumed,
put on, or acquired; as, the natural growth of animals or plants; the
natural motion of a gravitating body; natural strength or disposition;
the natural heat of the body; natural color.
With strong natural sense, and rare force of will.
Macaulay.
2. Conformed to the order, laws, or actual facts, of nature; consonant
to the methods of nature; according to the stated course of things, or
in accordance with the laws which govern events, feelings, etc.; not
exceptional or violent; legitimate; normal; regular; as, the natural
consequence of crime; a natural death.
What can be more natural than the circumstances in the behavior of
those women who had lost their husbands on this fatal day?
Addison.
3. Having to do with existing system to things; dealing with, or
derived from, the creation, or the world of matter and mind, as known
by man; within the scope of human reason or experience; not
supernatural; as, a natural law; natural science; history, theology.
I call that natural religion which men might know . . . by the mere
principles of reason, improved by consideration and experience,
without the help of revelation.
Bp. Wilkins.
4. Conformed to truth or reality; as: (a) Springing from true
sentiment; not artificial or exaggerated; -- said of action, delivery,
etc.; as, a natural gesture, tone, etc. (b) Resembling the object
imitated; true to nature; according to the life; -- said of anything
copied or imitated; as, a portrait is natural.
5. Having the character or sentiments properly belonging to one's
position; not unnatural in feelings.
To leave his wife, to leave his babes, . . . He wants the natural
touch.
Shak.
6. Connected by the ties of consanguinity. "Natural friends." J. H.
Newman.
7. Begotten without the sanction of law; born out of wedlock;
illegitimate; bastard; as, a natural child.
8. Of or pertaining to the lower or animal nature, as contrasted with
the higher or moral powers, or that which is spiritual; being in a
state of nature; unregenerate.
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.