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nature

American  
[nay-cher] / ˈneɪ tʃər /

noun

  • natures
    plural
  1. the material world, especially as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.

  2. the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.

    In nature, wild dogs hunt in packs.

  3. the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.

    The abandoned power plant was reclaimed by nature, covered in overgrowth and home to feral animals.

  4. natural scenery.

    Tourists at the resort are surrounded by nature.

  5. the universe, with all its phenomena.

    Conservation of energy is a universal law of nature.

  6. the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.

  7. reality, as distinguished from any effect of art.

    a portrait true to nature.

  8. the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character.

    human nature.

  9. the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct.

    a man of good nature.

  10. character, kind, or sort.

    two books of the same nature.

  11. characteristic disposition; temperament: an evil nature.

    a self-willed nature;

    an evil nature.

  12. the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.

  13. the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.

  14. a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.

  15. a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization.

    a return to nature.

  16. (initial capital letter, italics) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism.

  17. Theology. the moral state as unaffected by grace.


idioms

  1. of / in the nature of, having the character or qualities of.

    in the nature of an apology.

  2. in a state of nature,

    1. in an uncivilized or uncultured condition.

    2. without clothes; nude; naked.

  3. by nature, as a result of inborn or inherent qualities; innately.

    She is by nature a kindhearted person.

nature British  
/ ˈneɪtʃə /

noun

  1. the fundamental qualities of a person or thing; identity or essential character

  2. (often capital, esp when personified) the whole system of the existence, arrangement, forces, and events of all physical life that are not controlled by man

  3. all natural phenomena and plant and animal life, as distinct from man and his creations

  4. a wild primitive state untouched by man or civilization

  5. natural unspoilt scenery or countryside

  6. disposition or temperament

  7. tendencies, desires, or instincts governing behaviour

  8. the normal biological needs or urges of the body

  9. sort; kind; character

  10. the real appearance of a person or thing

    a painting very true to nature

  11. accepted standards of basic morality or behaviour

  12. biology the complement of genetic material that partly determines the structure of an organism; genotype Compare nurture

  13. sympathy and fondness for one's own people or native place

    she is full of nature

  14. unnatural or immoral

  15. essentially or innately

  16. informal the need to urinate or defecate

  17. using natural models in drawing, painting, etc

  18. essentially the same as; by way of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

nature Scientific  
/ nā′chər /
  1. The world and its naturally occurring phenomena, together with all of the physical laws that govern them.

  2. Living organisms and their environments.


nature More Idioms  

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

Etymology

Origin of nature

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English natur(e), from Old French, from Latin nātūra “conditions of birth, quality, character, natural order, world,” equivalent to nāt(us) (past participle of nāscī “to be born”) + -ūra noun suffix; see -ure

Explanation

Your nature is sort of the way you are — the sum total of how you think, feel, and behave. It might be in your nature to remain calm and level-headed when faced with a difficult challenge. Things that aren't people can also have their own nature. You might notice the frantic nature of a political debate, or you might question the nature of your brother's friendships. Nature can also refer to the physical world made up of plants and animals: what you think of as "the great outdoors." You might be a nature lover who enjoys hiking. Nature can also describe natural forces, such as the destructive elements of nature, like a tsunami or a tornado.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing nature

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.

See Examples For:

The researchers discovered how nature exclusively makes the correct version of a molecule - rather than its mirror image.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Koalas, microbats and honeyeater birds are among the 23 threatened species living in a nature reserve she says is under threat from Yancoal's Moolarben mine, which wants to add another 30 million tonnes of coal.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

Lack of information from the Russian government has further stoked anxiety about the nature of her death.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

This type of energy transfer is among the most efficient known in nature.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

“Even if we did know the nature or the location of the attack, it’s too risky.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

The triumph of modern humanity over our savage natures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

It is more difficult to appeal to people’s better natures.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2025

The cousins’ complementary natures may have bonded them in their youth, and a genuine and abiding love clearly remains.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2024

Although the origins of the feud are unclear, some observers attributed it to the pair’s competitive natures.

From New York Times ● Nov. 6, 2023

“If I am given permission to manage them as I see fit, I have no doubt that their better natures will prevail,” Penelope answered rather boldly.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

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