human nature
Americannoun
-
the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other living things.
-
Sociology. the character of human conduct, generally regarded as produced by living in primary groups.
noun
-
the qualities common to humanity
-
ordinary human behaviour, esp considered as less than perfect
-
sociol the unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish it from other animal life
Etymology
Origin of human nature
First recorded in 1735–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This concentration of power risks creating new forms of dependency and social control incompatible with human nature and freedom.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Like it or not, Colbert was doing what comedians are supposed to do: hold a mirror up to society, politics, human nature or whatever their focus may be, and call out the absurdities within.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
“It’s human nature to try to solve the unsolvable and be as precise as possible, but we also can’t kid ourselves that we know the answers,” he said.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
It has us asking ourselves whether war is a part of human nature.
From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026
“So is it just human nature to believe that things happen for a reason—to find some shred of meaning even in the worst experiences?”
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
