nature

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Everything in the physical world that exists without human creation, such as animals, plants, weather and landscapes.

   Grammar: Used without an or the in this sense: we love nature, not the nature.

   Patterns

   • in nature
   • the beauty of nature
   • close to nature

   We spent the weekend hiking and enjoying nature.

   Nature has a way of recovering after a fire.

   Some artists find their ideas by observing nature.

2. 2nouncountable

   The basic character or personality of a person or thing, formed by its qualities.

   Grammar: Often has an adjective or possessive: a kind nature, her nature.

   Patterns

   • by nature
   • the nature of something
   • in someone's nature to do something

   It isn't in his nature to give up easily.

   She has a generous nature and helps everyone.

   Cats are curious by nature.

3. 3nounsingularformal

   A kind or type of thing, often used in the phrase of this nature.

   Grammar: Usually follows of: matters of a sensitive nature.

   Patterns

   • of a certain nature
   • something of that nature

   The calls were of a personal nature.

   I had a problem of that nature last year.

   The nature of the work requires close teamwork.

Word forms

Common combinations

human nature

It's human nature to want to belong.

mother nature

Mother Nature surprised us with an early snow.

in the nature of

It is in the nature of the job to travel.

second nature

After years of practice, driving became second nature.

nature reserve

The nature reserve protects several rare birds.

call of nature

We stopped the car to answer a call of nature.

Synonyms and how they differ

wilderness

Wilderness means wild, untouched land specifically, while nature covers the whole natural world.

character

Character means personality and moral qualities, whereas nature suggests inborn qualities.

temperament

Temperament refers to emotional tendencies, while nature is broader and includes values.

kind

Kind is a plain word for type, and nature is more formal in phrases like of this nature.

Opposites

Word family

natural adjective

found in nature, or normal

naturally adverb

of course, or in a natural way

naturalist noun

a person who studies plants and animals

unnatural adjective

not normal or not found in nature

naturalize verb

to give citizenship to a foreign person

Commonly confused: nature or nurture?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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