nature
English meaning: Nature
Definition
The natural world; that which consists of all things unaffected by or predating human technology, production, and design. (Compare ecosystem.)
Example
“Nature never lies (i.e. tells untruths).”
Another example: “It is in the nature of children to ask endless questions.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral-to-literary noun, sometimes capitalized as 'Nature' for the natural world. Also means the essential character of something ('the nature of the problem'). Common in everyday speech, philosophy, and science.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'nature', from Latin 'natura' ('birth, constitution, course of things'), from 'nasci' ('to be born'), in English from the 13th century.
Synonyms
Related Words
- conservancy
- reserve
- reserves
- conservation
- preserve
- trails
- assessed
- wildlife
- endangered
- protected
Common Collocations
- human nature
- mother nature
- in nature
- by nature
- nature of
Word Forms
nature (sing); natures (pl); natural (adj); naturally (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B