Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In a natural state, without artificial alteration or enhancement: This describes something or someone in their original, unadorned, or unprocessed condition.
   • Completely unclothed; naked: This is the most common specific usage, describing a state of nudity.

Usage

• The term "au naturel" is used to describe a state of being without any covering, adornment, or artificial processing. It is often used in contexts related to food, art, or the human body.
• It is an adjective and is typically used after a linking verb like "is" or "served."
• It is a borrowed French phrase, so it is often written in italics in English texts.

Examples

• Describing food:
  • The fish was served au naturel, with just a squeeze of lemon. (The fish was served in its natural state, without heavy sauces.)
• Describing a person or state:
  • The portrait showed the subject au naturel, without any jewelry or makeup. (The portrait showed the subject in a natural, unadorned state.)
  • In some cultures, people bathe au naturel in hot springs. (In some cultures, people bathe naked in hot springs.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be/stay/go au naturel": This phrase emphasizes a choice to remain in a natural, unaltered state, often regarding personal appearance (e.g., not wearing makeup, not dyeing hair) or lifestyle.
  • She decided to go au naturel and embrace her gray hair.
• In culinary contexts: It specifically means cooked or served plainly, without elaborate sauces or garnishes.
  • For the true flavor, try the oysters au naturel.

Variants and Related Words

• Natural (adj): Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind. This is the direct English translation but lacks the specific connotation of nudity or culinary simplicity that "au naturel" carries.
• Nude (adj): Without clothes. This is a more direct synonym for the "unclothed" meaning.
• Bare (adj): Not clothed or covered. Can be used similarly but is more general.

Synonyms

• Naked
• Unclothed
• Bare
• In the raw (informal)

Antonyms

• Clothed
• Dressed
• Adorned
• Processed (for food)
• Garnished (for food)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• In one's birthday suit: A humorous idiom meaning completely naked.
  • The toddler ran through the house in his birthday suit.
• In the altogether: Another informal phrase meaning nude.
  • The artist's model posed in the altogether.

Adjective

1. completely unclothed
   • bare bodies
   • naked from the waist up
   • a nude model