human nature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-High (C1)Formal, Academic, Philosophical, Everyday (when used to explain behavior)
Quick answer
What does “human nature” mean?
The fundamental characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits common to all people, often considered innate rather than learned.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fundamental characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits common to all people, often considered innate rather than learned.
Used to explain or excuse typical human behaviors, especially weaknesses, instincts, or predictable patterns of action. In philosophy and social sciences, it refers to the inherent qualities that define what it means to be human.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept identical. Slight preference in UK English for philosophical contexts; more frequent in US English in pop psychology/self-help contexts.
Connotations
Can carry a fatalistic or deterministic connotation when used to justify negative behavior.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Perhaps marginally more common in American media discourse on politics or consumer behavior.
Grammar
How to Use “human nature” in a Sentence
[verb] + human nature (e.g., understand, study, defy)[adjective] + human nature (e.g., basic, flawed, inherent)[preposition] + human nature (e.g., by, of, against)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “human nature” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This policy rather optimistically tries to legislate against human nature.
- You can't change human nature by passing a law.
American English
- The app's design really gamifies tasks to work with human nature, not against it.
- You have to account for human nature in your safety protocols.
adverb
British English
- He argued, quite human-nature-ly, that self-preservation comes first.
- (Rarely used as adverb; periphrastic forms preferred)
American English
- (Rare; typically expressed as 'by human nature' or 'naturally')
adjective
British English
- The human-nature argument is often used as a convenient excuse.
- It's a basic human-nature response to seek shelter in a storm.
American English
- There's a human-nature element to why we love reality TV.
- The report considered the human-nature factors behind the financial panic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Understanding human nature is key to designing persuasive marketing campaigns."
Academic
"The debate on whether aggression is part of human nature remains unresolved in evolutionary psychology."
Everyday
"I know I shouldn't gossip, but it's human nature to be curious about others."
Technical
"The model assumes certain axioms about human nature, such as rationality and self-interest."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “human nature”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “human nature”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “human nature”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a human nature'). It is uncountable. | Confusing with 'human rights' or 'human being'. | Overusing to excuse poor behavior.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often used to explain failings (greed, aggression), it can also refer to positive innate traits like empathy, curiosity, or cooperation.
It is uncountable and treated as singular (e.g., Human nature is complex). You cannot say 'human natures'.
The 'nature vs. nurture' debate: to what extent are our behaviors determined by innate human nature (biology/evolution) versus our environment and upbringing.
The core concept implies inherent, timeless traits. However, which behaviors are considered 'natural' is socially interpreted and can change over time.
The fundamental characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits common to all people, often considered innate rather than learned.
Human nature is usually formal, academic, philosophical, everyday (when used to explain behavior) in register.
Human nature: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhjuː.mən ˈneɪ.tʃər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhjuː.mən ˈneɪ.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's only human”
- “To err is human”
- “Human nature being what it is...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HUMAN + NATURE. Humans have a NATURE, just like a forest or a lion does. It's our default, in-built programming.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN NATURE IS A FORCE (a powerful, driving, often uncontrollable force). HUMAN NATURE IS A SUBSTANCE (something we have, study, or understand).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'human nature' most appropriately used?