natural superiority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural superiority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about perceived advantages or inherent qualities of a person, group, or species over others. Example: "Some argue that certain breeds of dogs exhibit natural superiority in herding due to their genetic traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He invoked the two pillars of modern racial superiority movements: presumed nurture or cultural superiority; or nature — in this case, divine natural superiority, the "hand of providence," or God.

The New York Times

Natural superiority?

The New Yorker

It wasn't arrogance; it was more an expression of the natural superiority he had about him.

The Guardian - Sport

Jane was unique: an unstoppable doer whose natural superiority was made acceptable to her friends and family by her sweetness, grace and modesty.

The Guardian

Under slave laws, the necessity for color rankings was obvious, but in America today, post-civil-rights legislation, white people's conviction of their natural superiority is being lost.

The New Yorker

Montagu also wrote on such varied topics as human evolution, culture, and child care, and possibly his most influential work is The Natural Superiority of Women (1953).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Prodigious performances are not necessarily the result of "natural" psychological superiority: they're often produced by players under the cultic influence of a parent or coach (a Yuri Sharapov, Richard Williams, or Toni Nadal) who provided them with preternatural certainty and self-belief.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, the Hida area, located in northern Gifu Prefecture, has much natural resources, superiority in "Forestry," "Fishery," "Mining," "Pulp, paper and wood products," and "Electricity, gas and heat supply," that is generated by hydropower stations.

Journal of Economic Structures

A belief in the natural affinity and superiority of Nordic peoples sustained Joseph Chamberlain's conviction that an Anglo-American German Anglo-American Germann the world in the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's when their natural air of superiority accidentally slips out.

Huffington Post

The natural categories of superiority are inferred to be attractiveness, strength, knowledge, highness and fullness and the natural categories of inferiority are inferred to be repulsiveness, weakness, ignorance, lowness and emptiness.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "natural superiority", be mindful of the potential negative connotations. It often implies inherent advantages based on factors like race, gender, or social class, which can be interpreted as discriminatory or biased. Consider alternative phrasing if your intent is not to suggest innate superiority.

Common error

Avoid using "natural superiority" as a justification for social or economic inequality. The concept can easily be misused to rationalize prejudice and discrimination. Instead, focus on equality of opportunity and the importance of individual effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural superiority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "natural" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "superiority". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It typically serves to describe a perceived or asserted inherent advantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "natural superiority" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe perceived or asserted inherent advantages. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but emphasizes the importance of considering its connotations. While commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase carries potential for misinterpretation and misuse, especially in justifying inequality or discrimination. Alternatives like "inherent advantage" or "innate ability" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and sensitivity when employing this phrase to avoid unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural advantage

Simply points out an advantage that comes naturally.

inherent dominance

Focuses on the innate power or control one entity has over others.

innate advantage

Highlights the inborn benefit or edge that someone or something possesses.

biological advantage

Emphasizes the physical or biological attributes that give an upper hand.

intrinsic merit

Emphasizes the inherent value or worth of something.

inborn supremacy

Stresses the naturally endowed position of being the highest in rank or authority.

endowed dominance

Focuses on the power that is given or inherited from the start.

predetermined excellence

Suggests that greatness was already decided at birth or creation.

divine right

Implies superiority is granted by a higher power or deity.

genetic predisposition to excel

Highlights the genetic component leading to high performance.

FAQs

How can I use "natural superiority" in a sentence?

You can use "natural superiority" to describe a perceived or claimed advantage based on inherent qualities. For example: "The athlete's perceived natural superiority stemmed from years of rigorous training."

What's an alternative to saying "natural superiority"?

Depending on the context, you could use "inherent advantage", "innate ability", or "intrinsic worth" to convey a similar meaning without implying inherent dominance.

Is it appropriate to talk about "natural superiority" in a professional setting?

Using the phrase "natural superiority" in a professional context can be risky, as it might be perceived as insensitive or discriminatory. It's generally better to focus on skills, experience, and qualifications instead of implying innate advantages.

How does "natural superiority" differ from "acquired skill"?

"Natural superiority" implies an inborn advantage, while "acquired skill" refers to abilities developed through learning and practice. The former suggests inherent qualities, whereas the latter highlights the impact of training and experience.