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

“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

Ullman said it’s human nature to be an “armchair expert.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 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

If the jury sides with Kaley, it would upset decades of legal and cultural precedent that have treated platforms as mere repositories of human nature.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Another edifice constructed by the human mind, decimated by human nature.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy