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

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

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

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

It’s true that the American cost of living is getting worse — so much for “affordability”! — and it’s human nature to focus on what’s right in front of us, selfish as that may be.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

In China, there were concubines — not what she wanted to be at all, but which proved human nature capable of different sorts of marriage.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen