naturalism
naturalism Lexical Profile
naturalism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A style and movement in art, literature, and theater that seeks to depict human life and the physical world with lifelike accuracy and scientific objectivity, often emphasizing how heredity and social environment shape human character.
"The novel is a classic work of nineteenth-century naturalism, portraying the harsh realities of industrial labor with unflinching detail."
The philosophical doctrine that only natural laws and physical forces operate in the universe, excluding supernatural or spiritual explanations.
"Methodological naturalism forms the foundation of modern empirical inquiry across the physical sciences."
Action, behavior, or expression arising from natural instincts, spontaneity, and unaffected simplicity rather than artificial convention.
"The director praised the young actor for the effortless naturalism of her delivery."
• Rhymes for naturalism
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-18th century from 'natural' + '-ism', modeled on French 'naturalisme', which ultimately derives from Latin 'natura' meaning 'birth, character, or the course of things'.