Nature is all the animals, plants, and other things in the world that are not made by people,and all the events and processes that are not caused by people.
The most amazing thing about nature is its infinite variety.
...grasses that grow wild in nature.
...the ecological balance of nature.
2. See also Mother Nature, countryside
3. singular noun [oft noun NOUN, oft by/inN]
The nature of something is its basic quality or character.
Mr Sharp would not comment on the nature of the issues being investigated. [+ of]
...the ambitious nature of the programme. [+ of]
The protests had been non-political by nature.
The rise of a major power is both economic and military in nature.
Synonyms: quality, character, make-up, constitution More Synonyms of nature
4. singular noun [with poss, oft byNOUN]
Someone's nature is their character, which they show by the way they behave.
Jeya feels that her ambitious nature made her unsuitable for an arranged marriage.
She trusted people. That was her nature.
He was by nature affectionate.
Synonyms: temperament, character, personality, disposition More Synonyms of nature
5. See also human nature
6.
See against nature
7.
See back to nature
8.
See by its nature
9.
See call of nature
10.
See in the nature of things
11.
See in the nature of sth
12.
See second nature
More Synonyms of nature
nature in British English
(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 humankind
3.
all natural phenomena and plant and animal life, as distinct from human beings and their creations
4.
a wild primitive state untouched by humans 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 (sense 3)
13. Irish
sympathy and fondness for one's own people or native place
she is full of nature
14. against nature
15. by nature
16. call of nature
17. from nature
18. in the nature of
Word origin
C13: via Old French from Latin nātūra, from nātus, past participle of nascī to be born
nature in American English
(ˈneitʃər)
noun
1.
the material world, esp. as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities
2.
the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization
3.
the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers
4.
natural scenery
5.
the universe, with all its phenomena
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
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. (cap., italics)
a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism
17. Theology
the moral state as unaffected by grace
18. See by nature
19. See in a state of nature
20. See of the nature of
Derived forms
naturelike
adjective
Word origin
[1200–50; ME natur(e) ‹ OF ‹ L nātūra conditions of birth, quality, character, natural order, world, equiv. to nāt(us) (ptp. of nāscī to be born) + -ūra-ure]
More idioms containing
nature
the nature of the beast
COBUILD Collocations
nature
competitive nature
complex nature
ephemeral nature
exact nature
examine the nature of
gentle nature
physical nature
precise nature
reflect the nature of
repetitive nature
unpredictable nature
very nature
Examples of 'nature' in a sentence
nature
The other disturbing thing is the nature of the treatment donors are helping to fund.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He fails to understand that nature takes care of itself and man is the real problem.
The Sun (2016)
This was the nature of the man.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The progressive agenda is all about changing the world and human nature to accord with a preferred model of existence.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Nature and animals are pretty predictable.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
If you run a union, you need to think deeply about the nature of your power.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Nature notes Very small birds suffer most in icy weather.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The album may venture into uncharted territory, but it sounds like second nature.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That's the nature of my life now, and it becomes futile to fight the rumours.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is unusual, because I am not by nature a forgiving person.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You were bound to flounder if you failed to acknowledge the spontaneous nature of the man.
John Fisher Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing (2006)
You control nature and provide for all the animals of nature.
Christianity Today (2000)
Thus the story evokes the redemptive power of nature.
Adam Sisman The Friendship: Wordsworth and Coleridge (2006)
They took those few thousand years to show up in nature.
Michael Boulter EXTINCTION: Evolution and the End of Man (2002)
We do actually have some kind of control over the nature and the quality of those changes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Nature and nurture act together to tip a person over to act in cruel ways.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But you just get over that barrier and it becomes second nature.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We must make sure the players understand the nature of what we face.
The Sun (2011)
This takes us back to a time when wild nature was not something to be exploited.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The first centres on the way nature works.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
There are times when the world of nature conservation lurches dangerously close to lunacy.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
That is how things happen in nature.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The island has long been a marine nature reserve.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
What is the true nature of love?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It feels more like a nature programme than a standard cookery course.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He was by nature a shy man who could at times be highly strung.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What distinguishes human from any other animal nature is its ability to be unnatural.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
The piece uses a series of burglaries to lay bare the diverse nature of life in a modern city.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Anyone who lets the surprising nature of life work for them rather than against them is on to a winner.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Yes, there is an abrasive nature to his character.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Quotations
nature red in tooth and clawAlfred, Lord TennysonIn Memoriam
Nature does nothing without purpose or uselesslyAristotlePolitics
You may drive out nature with a pitchfork, yet she'll be constantly running backHoraceEpistles
In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments - there are consequencesRobert G. IngersollSome Reasons Why
In her [Nature's] inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluousLeonardo da Vinci
`I play for seasons; not eternities!' Says NatureGeorge MeredithModern Love
In other languages
nature
British English: nature /ˈneɪtʃə/ NOUN
Nature refers to all the animals, plants, and other things in the world that are not made by people, and all the events and processes that are not caused by people.
These grasses grow wild in nature.
American English: nature
Arabic: طَبِيعَةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: natureza
Chinese: 自然
Croatian: priroda
Czech: příroda
Danish: natur
Dutch: natuur
European Spanish: naturaleza
Finnish: luonto
French: nature
German: Natur
Greek: φύση
Italian: natura
Japanese: 自然
Korean: 자연
Norwegian: natur
Polish: natura
European Portuguese: natureza
Romanian: natură
Russian: природа
Latin American Spanish: naturaleza
Swedish: natur
Thai: ธรรมชาติ
Turkish: doğa
Ukrainian: природа
Vietnamese: tự nhiên
Chinese translation of 'nature'
nature
(ˈneɪtʃəʳ)
n
(u) (also Nature) 自然界 (zìránjiè)
(s/u) (= character)[of thing]特性 (tèxìng)
(c/u)[of person]天性 (tiānxìng) (种(種), zhǒng)
the protests were political in nature那些抗议(議)都是政治性的 (nàxiē kàngyì dōu shì zhèngzhì xìng de)
it was not in her nature to tell lies她生性不会(會)说(說)谎(謊) (tā shēngxìng bù huì shuōhuǎng)
I am an optimist by nature我天生是个(個)乐(樂)天派 (wǒ tiānshēng shì gè lètiān pài)
by its (very) nature理所当(當)然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán)
documents of a confidential nature机(機)密文件 (jīmì wénjiàn)
or something of that nature或者类(類)似性质(質)的事物 (huòzhě lèisì xìngzhì de shìwù)
All related terms of 'nature'
human nature
人性 rénxìng
communion with nature
与(與)大自然的交融 yǔ dàzìrán de jiāoróng
by profession/birth/nature
就职(職)业(業)/祖籍/天性而言 jiù zhíyè/zǔjí/tiānxìng ér yán
I am an optimist by nature
我天生是个(個)乐(樂)天派 wǒ tiānshēng shì gè lètiān pài
or something of that nature
或者类(類)似性质(質)的事物 huòzhě lèisì xìngzhì de shìwù
to be second nature to sb
某人的第二天性 mǒurén de dì'èr tiānxìng
documents of a confidential nature
机(機)密文件 jīmì wénjiàn
the protests were political in nature
那些抗议(議)都是政治性的 nàxiē kàngyì dōu shì zhèngzhì xìng de
reserve
( seat, table, ticket etc ) 预(預)定 yùdìng
it was not in her nature to tell lies
她生性不会(會)说(說)谎(謊) tā shēngxìng bù huì shuōhuǎng
by its (very) nature
理所当(當)然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán
1 (noun)
Definition
the whole system of the existence, forces, and events of the physical world that are not controlled by human beings
man's ancient sense of kinship with nature
Synonyms
creation
the origin of all creation
world
Be happy, in this world and the next!
earth
The space shuttle returned safely to earth today.
environment
universe
Einstein's equations showed the Universe to be expanding.
cosmos
a religion which offers a sense of the place of humanity in the cosmos
natural world
Mother Nature
natural forces
2 (noun)
an organization devoted to the protection of nature
Synonyms
flora and fauna
country
They live somewhere way out in the country.
landscape
Arizona's desert landscape
countryside
I've always loved the English countryside.
scenery
Sometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.
natural history
3 (noun)
Definition
fundamental or essential qualities
The protests had been non-political in nature.
Synonyms
quality
The pretentious quality of the poetry.
character
Moscow's reforms were socialist in character.
make-up
He became convinced that there was some fatal flaw in his make-up.
constitution
a small research team looking into the chemical constitution of coal
attributes
essence
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
traits
complexion
The political complexion of the government has changed.
features
4 (noun)
Definition
temperament or personality
She trusted people. That was her nature.
Synonyms
temperament
His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties.
character
There is a side to his character which you haven't seen yet.
personality
She has such a kind, friendly personality.
disposition
his friendly and cheerful disposition
outlook
The illness had a profound effect on his outlook.
mood
You are clearly in a good mood today.
humour
Could that have been the source of his good humour?
temper
He's known for his placid temper.
5 (noun)
Definition
kind or sort
This – and other books of a similar nature – are urgently needed.
Synonyms
kind
Donations came in from all kinds of people.
sort
What sort of person is he?
style
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
type
There are various types of the disease.
variety
She grows 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
species
There are several thousand species of trees here.
category
The entries were organised into six different categories.
description
Events of this description occurred daily.
Quotations
nature red in tooth and claw [Alfred, Lord Tennyson – In Memoriam]Nature does nothing without purpose or uselessly [Aristotle – Politics]You may drive out nature with a pitchfork, yet she'll be constantly running back [Horace – Epistles]In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments - there are consequences [Robert G. Ingersoll – Some Reasons Why]In her [Nature's] inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous [Leonardo da Vinci]`I play for seasons; not eternities!' Says Nature [George Meredith – Modern Love]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of category
Definition
a class or group of things or people with some quality or qualities in common
The entries were organised into six different categories.
Synonyms
class,
grouping,
heading,
head,
order,
sort,
list,
department,
type,
division,
section,
rank,
grade,
classification,
genre
in the sense of character
Definition
a distinguishing quality or characteristic
Moscow's reforms were socialist in character.
Synonyms
nature,
kind,
quality,
constitution,
calibre
in the sense of character
Definition
the combination of qualities distinguishing an individual person, group of people, or place
There is a side to his character which you haven't seen yet.
Synonyms
personality,
nature,
make-up,
cast,
constitution,
bent,
attributes,
temper,
kidney,
temperament,
complexion,
disposition,
individuality,
marked traits
Synonyms of 'nature'
nature
Explore 'nature' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of complexion
Definition
character or nature
The political complexion of the government has changed.
Synonyms
nature,
character,
make-up,
cast,
stamp,
disposition
in the sense of constitution
Definition
the make-up or structure of something
a small research team looking into the chemical constitution of coal
Synonyms
structure,
form,
nature,
make-up,
organization,
establishment,
formation,
composition,
character,
temper,
temperament,
disposition
in the sense of cosmos
Definition
the universe considered as an ordered system
a religion which offers a sense of the place of humanity in the cosmos
Synonyms
universe,
world,
creation,
macrocosm
in the sense of country
Definition
the part of the land that is away from cities or industrial areas
They live somewhere way out in the country.
Synonyms
countryside,
rural areas,
provinces,
outdoors,
sticks (informal),
farmland,
outback (Australian, New Zealand),
the middle of nowhere,
green belt,
wide open spaces (informal),
backwoods,
back country (US),
the back of beyond,
bush (New Zealand, South Africa),
backlands (US),
boondocks (US, slang)
in the sense of countryside
Definition
land away from the cities
I've always loved the English countryside.
Synonyms
country,
rural areas,
outdoors,
farmland,
outback (Australian, New Zealand),
green belt,
wide open spaces (informal),
sticks (informal)
in the sense of description
Definition
sort, kind, or variety
Events of this description occurred daily.
Synonyms
kind,
sort,
type,
order,
class,
variety,
brand,
species,
breed,
category,
kidney,
genre,
genus,
ilk
in the sense of disposition
Definition
a person's usual temperament
his friendly and cheerful disposition
Synonyms
character,
nature,
spirit,
make-up,
constitution,
temper,
temperament
in the sense of earth
Definition
the planet that we live on, the third planet from the sun, the only one on which life is known to exist
The space shuttle returned safely to earth today.
Synonyms
world,
planet,
globe,
sphere,
orb,
earthly sphere,
terrestrial sphere
in the sense of essence
Definition
the most important and distinctive feature of something, which determines its identity
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
Synonyms
fundamental nature,
nature,
being,
life,
meaning,
heart,
spirit,
principle,
soul,
core,
substance,
significance,
entity,
bottom line,
essential part,
kernel,
crux,
lifeblood,
pith,
quintessence,
basic characteristic,
quiddity
in the sense of humour
Definition
a state of mind
Could that have been the source of his good humour?
Synonyms
mood,
spirits,
temper,
disposition,
frame of mind
Additional synonyms
in the sense of landscape
Definition
an extensive area of land regarded as being visually distinct
Arizona's desert landscape
Synonyms
scenery,
country,
view,
land,
scene,
prospect,
countryside,
outlook,
terrain,
panorama,
vista
in the sense of make-up
Definition
mental or physical constitution
He became convinced that there was some fatal flaw in his make-up.
Synonyms
nature,
character,
constitution,
temperament,
make,
build,
figure,
stamp,
temper,
disposition,
frame of mind,
cast of mind
in the sense of mood
Definition
a temporary state of mind or temper
You are clearly in a good mood today.
Synonyms
state of mind,
spirit,
humour,
temper,
vein,
tenor,
disposition,
frame of mind
in the sense of outlook
Definition
a general attitude to life
The illness had a profound effect on his outlook.
Synonyms
attitude,
views,
opinion,
position,
approach,
mood,
perspective,
point of view,
stance,
viewpoint,
disposition,
standpoint,
frame of mind,
angle,
slant
in the sense of personality
Definition
the distinctive characteristics which make an individual unique
She has such a kind, friendly personality.
Synonyms
nature,
character,
make-up,
identity,
temper,
traits,
temperament,
psyche,
disposition,
individuality
in the sense of scenery
Definition
the natural features of a landscape
Sometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.
Synonyms
landscape,
view,
surroundings,
outlook,
terrain,
vista
in the sense of sort
Definition
a class, group, or kind sharing certain characteristics or qualities
What sort of person is he?
Synonyms
kind,
type,
class,
make,
group,
family,
order,
race,
style,
quality,
character,
nature,
variety,
brand,
species,
breed,
category,
stamp,
description,
denomination,
genus,
ilk
in the sense of species
Definition
one of the groups into which a genus is divided, the members of which are able to interbreed
There are several thousand species of trees here.
Synonyms
kind,
sort,
type,
group,
class,
variety,
breed,
category,
description,
genus
in the sense of style
Definition
a form of appearance, design, or production
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
Synonyms
type,
sort,
kind,
spirit,
pattern,
variety,
appearance,
tone,
strain,
category,
characteristic,
genre,
tenor
in the sense of temper
Definition
a person's frame of mind
He's known for his placid temper.
Synonyms
frame of mind,
character,
nature,
attitude,
mind,
mood,
constitution,
humour,
vein,
temperament,
tenor,
disposition
Additional synonyms
in the sense of type
Definition
the general characteristics distinguishing a particular group
There are various types of the disease.
Synonyms
kind,
sort,
class,
variety,
group,
form,
order,
style,
species,
breed,
strain,
category,
stamp,
kidney,
genre,
classification,
ilk,
subdivision
in the sense of universe
Definition
the whole of all existing matter, energy, and space
Einstein's equations showed the Universe to be expanding.
Synonyms
cosmos,
space,
creation,
everything,
nature,
heavens,
the natural world,
macrocosm,
all existence
in the sense of variety
Definition
a particular type of something in the same general category