unnaturally
Definition
Adverb 1. In a manner that is not natural or normal; in a way that seems artificial, forced, or contrary to what is expected. - Example: She smiled unnaturally, her lips stretched in a tense line. 2. To an excessive or extreme degree; in a way that exceeds normal limits. - Example: The room was unnaturally quiet after the argument. 3. Not in accordance with the laws of nature; by artificial means. - Example: The unnaturally large fruits were a result of genetic modification.
Usage Examples
- Describing artificial or forced behavior:
- He spoke unnaturally slowly, as if choosing each word with great care.
- Her laughter sounded unnaturally high-pitched and nervous.
- Describing an extreme or abnormal state:
- There was an unnaturally bright glow on the horizon before the storm.
- The city felt unnaturally empty on Sunday morning.
- Referring to artificial creation or alteration:
- The lake's unnaturally blue color came from chemical additives.
Advanced Usage
- "Not unnaturally": A common phrase used to indicate that a reaction or feeling is entirely understandable and expected.
- Not unnaturally, she was furious when she discovered the lie. (It was completely natural/understandable that she was furious.)
- Used to describe phenomena that defy or manipulate natural processes.
- Scientists created an unnaturally stable form of the protein in the lab.
Variants and Related Words
- Unnatural (adjective): Not natural; artificial, affected, or abnormal.
- Example: It was unnatural for such a young child to be so solemn.
- Natural (adjective/adverb): The direct antonym.
- Artificially (adverb): In a way that is made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally. (Note: While similar, "artificially" often focuses on human-made origins, whereas "unnaturally" can describe anything deviating from a natural state, including behavior.)
Synonyms
- Abnormally
- Artificially
- Forcedly
- Stiffly
- Preternaturally (especially for extreme degrees)
Antonyms
- Naturally
- Normally
- Genuinely
- Spontaneously
Related Phrases
- "Deathly still": While not a direct phrasal verb, "unnaturally still" is a common collocation.
- The forest was unnaturally still, with no birdsong or rustling leaves.
Adverb
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in a manner at variance with what is natural or normal
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The early Church not unnaturally adopted the position that failure to see the messianic character of his work was really caused by the people's own blindness
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not according to nature; not by natural means
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artificially induced conditions
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in an unnatural way
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his other arm lay across his chest, unnaturally, as if placed there deliberately, for a purpose
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