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

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

Whatever agendas they may personally espouse, these writers are too alert to the messiness of history and human nature to be rigidly ideological in their work.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

If you’re young, you want it all at once; it’s human nature.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

Walsh told the jury it was human nature to "box" or "shelve" feelings away – and that was what Complainant A and B had done over the years.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Cheating may or may not be human nature, but it is certainly a prominent feature in just about every human endeavor.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt