human nature

American  

noun

1. the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other living things.

2. Sociology. the character of human conduct, generally regarded as produced by living in primary groups.

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human nature British  

noun

1. the qualities common to humanity

2. ordinary human behaviour, esp considered as less than perfect

3. sociol the unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish it from other animal life

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Etymology

Origin of human nature

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

"I think the fixation on the toilet is kind of human nature," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The show’s unflinching exploration of human nature traces back to visionary British television producer Charlie Parsons.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

For centuries Catholic teaching on war was grounded in the reality of man’s fallen human nature.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

But accepting that “where they are” is a degraded information ecosystem designed to reward the worst impulses in human nature means admitting that there is no possibility of rebuilding something more substantive.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

Whether it was Cuba, Russia, or the United States, whether about the nature of crime, money, or bureaucracies—or human nature in general, including how many people really belonged in prison—their views rarely matched.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French