náttúrulegt

Náttúrulegt is an Icelandic adjective meaning natural in the broad sense: existing in or derived from nature, not artificial, man-made, or artificialized. It is used to describe phenomena, materials, processes, landscapes, and states that occur according to natural laws or originate from nature rather than human intervention. The term can emphasize purity, wholesomeness, or alignment with the natural world, but it can also be used descriptively without value judgments.

Etymology and form: the word derives from the Icelandic noun náttúra, nature, with the adjectival suffix -legt, forming a neuter singular adjective in -t, as in náttúrulegt with neuter nouns. In Icelandic, adjectives agree with gender and number, so forms such as náttúruleg (feminine) or náttúrulegur (masculine) exist, while náttúrulegt is the neuter singular form commonly used with neuter nouns like efni (material) or fyrirbæri (phenomenon).

Usage and nuance: in scientific writing, náttúrulegt often contrasts with artificial, synthetic, or engineered. In everyday language, it frequently carries a positive connotation, suggesting something wholesome or unaltered, but the term can be broad and context-dependent. It can describe natural materials (náttúrulegt efni), natural processes (náttúrulegt ferli), or natural landscapes (náttúrulegt landslag).

Related terms: lífrænt (organic or ecological in certain contexts), náttúruvernd (nature conservation), and natur-related compounds or products may be described as náttúrulegt to indicate non-man-made origins.