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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of human nature

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

human nature

Music made by artificial intelligence will be banned from Australia's top charts under new guidelines aimed at protecting "the human nature of artistry", an industry body said Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

The challenge is less about good intentions than human nature.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

Madison, Hamilton, et al. would wonder at our credulous view of human nature.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

All of us have been driven nearly mad by our wives and sweethearts, but King Pelles was aware that there is a tough streak in human nature which generally prevents us from being quite driven.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White