natuurlik

Natuurlik is an Afrikaans word that functions as both an adjective and an adverb. It can mean natural or normal when describing something inherent or expected, and it can mean obviously or of course when used to emphasize a statement.

Etimology and grammar: The term comes from natuur, meaning nature, plus the suffix -lik, and is cognate with Dutch natuurlijk. In Afrikaans, adjectives formed with -lik express the sense of natural, and the attributive form before a noun is natuurlike (for example, natuurlike omgewing means natural environment).

Usage: As an adverb, natuurlik signals certainty or inevitability. For example: "Dit is natuurlik waar" means "That is obviously true." "Ek sal natuurlik help" means "I will of course help." As an adjective, it describes things that are natural or normal, with the attributive form natuurlike used before nouns (natuurlike omgewing).

Context: Natuurlik is common in standard Afrikaans across South Africa and Namibia, appearing in speech, journalism, and literature. It illustrates how Afrikaans uses adjectives and adverbs to convey nuance in tone, often aligning with similar forms in Dutch and other Germanic languages.