by nature

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Because of the kind of person or thing someone or something naturally is, rather than because of training or situation.

   Grammar: Used after a linking verb or an adjective: 'He is generous by nature.' It describes an inborn quality, not a habit you learned.

   Patterns

   • be something by nature
   • by nature, someone does something

   She is quiet by nature, so parties tire her out.

   Foxes are cautious by nature and avoid people.

   By nature I am not a risk-taker, but this job changed me.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to describe the basic character of something, especially when saying it is not a fault.

   Grammar: Often follows a negative or defensive statement to soften it: 'It's not a bad product by nature, just badly marketed.'

   Patterns

   • something is not X by nature

   The work is not boring by nature; the problem is how it is managed.

   Competition is not harmful by nature, though it can be.

Common combinations

shy by nature

He is shy by nature and finds introductions hard.

cautious by nature

Cats are cautious by nature around new objects.

by nature a ... person

By nature a patient person, she rarely raises her voice.

generous by nature

My grandmother was generous by nature and gave away most of what she earned.

Synonyms and how they differ

naturally

Close in meaning, but 'naturally' can also mean 'of course' or 'in a natural way', so 'by nature' is clearer when you mean an inborn quality.

instinctively

This stresses behavior that comes without thinking, while 'by nature' describes a lasting characteristic rather than a single reaction.

inherently

More formal and used mostly for things and qualities, not people; 'by nature' fits everyday talk about character better.

Opposites

Word family

natural adjective

Existing from birth or produced by nature, not made by people.

naturally adverb

In a way that comes from nature or from a person's character.

nature noun

The basic character of a person or thing, or the physical world.

Commonly confused: by nature or of nature? by nature or by character?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “by nature”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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