# organically

/ɔɹˈɡænɪkɫi/ (US) · /ɔːɡˈænɪkli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/organically
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

happening in a natural way without being forced or planned. It can also mean growing food without using artificial chemicals.

For teachers: occurring in a natural, spontaneous manner without external force or artificial intervention; in a biological sense, produced without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.

## Examples

- The business grew organically through word of mouth.
- The friendship developed organically over several months as they discovered they shared many common interests.
- While the city was originally planned on a grid, the surrounding suburbs expanded organically, following the natural curves of the hills and riverbanks rather than a strict geometric design.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.