naturalistic
UK: ˌnætʃərəˈlɪstɪk | US: ˌnætʃərəˈlɪstɪk
adj. Imitating or representing nature realistically (e.g., art, literature).
adj. Adhering to the principles of naturalism in philosophy or science.
Derived from "natural," which traces back to Latin natura (birth, inherent qualities), combined with the suffix "-istic," indicating adherence to a practice or philosophy. The term emerged in the 19th century to describe art and thought emphasizing objective reality over idealism. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "nature" → "natural" (adjective) → "naturalist" (practitioner) → "naturalistic" (descriptive quality).
The painter’s naturalistic style captured every detail of the landscape.
Naturalistic theories in biology focus on observable phenomena.
Her novel is praised for its naturalistic dialogue and settings.
The film’s naturalistic lighting made the scenes feel authentic.
Critics debate whether naturalistic ethics can fully explain human behavior.