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unnatural

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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From Middle English unnatural, unnaturel, equivalent to un- +‎ natural.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ(ə)ɹəl/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Hyphenation: un‧nat‧u‧ral

Adjective

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unnatural (comparative more unnatural, superlative most unnatural)

  1. Not natural.
  2. Not occurring in nature, the environment or atmosphere
  3. Going against nature; perverse.
    • 1859, Ferna Vale, Natalie; or, A Gem Among the Sea-Weeds:
      Time wore heavily on with Winnie Santon, after Natalie had left them. Left as she was, much in her unnatural mother's society, who seemed to be never more pleased than when she might thwart her designs, or, in some manner act so as to make those about her uncomfortable, it was not to be wondered at, if she did sigh for other days, and a confidant, to whom she might unburden her heart.

Synonyms

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Antonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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unnatural (plural unnaturals)

  1. (derogatory) One who is unnatural, against nature, perverse.
    • 1985 February 2, Tim Broadbent, “Kindred Spirits (review)”, in Gay Community News, volume 12, number 28, page 10:
      In the so-called "golden era" of science fiction, gay/lesbian characters were treated as misfits, sociopaths, villains and "unnaturals" to be pitied and scorned. Gay characters were virtually all weak, effeminate snivelers out to harm the heroes of the story. Lesbians were invariably portrayed as massive, muscular Amazons with sadistic tendencies.
    • 1992 October 21, Paul Harvey, “About this Measure No. 9”, in alt.slack[1] (Usenet):
      Deviants, heretics, pinks, false prophets and other unnaturals will not be spared the rod nor the stark fist of removal.

Anagrams

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