au naturel
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- completely unclothed
- bare bodies
- naked from the waist up
- a nude model