A naturist is a nudist. A nudist is a naturist. They are interchangeable terms. One part of the world prefers naturist, another part uses nudist. The bottom line is that either term refers to a person who prefers to recreate, work, relax, play games, swim, hike, visit with friends, or whatever without clothes. It creates a great feeling of comfort, relaxation, and freedom that simply cannot be achieved with the mental and physical encumbrances of clothing. Nudists will agree on this point, but will also point out that the acceptance of this truth can only be realized through participation, not through reading or thinking about it, or discussing it with others. It is an experiential reality.