human nature
Americannoun
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the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other living things.
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Sociology. the character of human conduct, generally regarded as produced by living in primary groups.
noun
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the qualities common to humanity
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ordinary human behaviour, esp considered as less than perfect
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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.
Music made by artificial intelligence will be banned from Australia's top charts under new guidelines aimed at protecting "the human nature of artistry", an industry body said Tuesday.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
The challenge is less about good intentions than human nature.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026
Like the calm, godly Eye, he registers the good and bad of human nature with moral clarity but without castigation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
Constitution’s system of checks and balances reflects a tragic view of human nature, an understanding that no one can be entirely trusted with power.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Ordinarily, nobody got excited about it—it was human nature.
From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
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.
