nature
C1Neutral; used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
The physical world and everything in it that is not made by people, including plants, animals, mountains, oceans, and natural forces.
1. The inherent or essential qualities or character of a person or thing. 2. The basic or inherent features of something. 3. The instinctive, physical, or biological functions and drives of a living being. 4. A particular kind or sort (e.g., 'problems of a complex nature').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans concrete, abstract, and metaphorical meanings. It functions primarily as a countable noun when meaning 'type/kind' and as an uncountable noun when referring to the physical world or inherent character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The phrase 'nature calls' (to need the toilet) is slightly more common in US informal usage. Spelling in compound adjectives (e.g., nature-loving) is consistent.
Connotations
Largely identical. Both varieties strongly associate the word with conservation, beauty, and the outdoors.
Frequency
Comparatively high and similar in frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the nature of [something] (abstract)[adjective] in natureby its very natureby nature (inherently)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A force of nature”
- “Let nature take its course”
- “In the nature of things”
- “Second nature”
- “Nature calls”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in phrases like 'the changing nature of the market' or 'the collaborative nature of the project'.
Academic
Common in philosophy ('human nature'), science ('laws of nature'), and social sciences ('nature vs. nurture').
Everyday
Refers to the outdoors, parks, wildlife, and personal character ('It's not in his nature to lie').
Technical
In ecology and biology, refers to ecosystems and biodiversity. In philosophy, to intrinsic qualities.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This substance is not found in nature; it must be synthesised.
- He felt a need to nature his creative side.
American English
- These crystals occur in nature but are rare.
- She wanted to nature the young saplings carefully.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'nature' is not standardly used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- We went on a nature walk in the New Forest.
- The nature documentary was narrated by David Attenborough.
American English
- Let's take a nature hike this weekend.
- They built a nature preserve outside the city.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like walking in nature.
- The nature here is very beautiful.
- Dogs are friendly by nature.
- We should protect nature from pollution.
- It's human nature to be curious.
- The nature of his job involves a lot of travel.
- The contract was, by its very nature, impossible to fulfil in a month.
- She has a very competitive nature, which makes her a great athlete.
- The study explores the complex nature of human relationships.
- The adversarial nature of the legal system can be off-putting to victims.
- His argument confuses the normative with the descriptive nature of the phenomenon.
- The project's success will hinge on the synergistic nature of the partnership.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a picture of a beautiful NATURAL landscape. The first three letters 'NAT' can remind you of 'NATural' and 'NATive'.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE IS A MOTHER (Mother Nature), NATURE IS A FORCE, HUMAN INSTINCTS ARE NATURAL LAWS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'nature' as 'натура' when referring to the physical world (use 'природа'). 'Натура' is better for 'essence' or 'character'.
- The phrase 'by nature' translates as 'по природе' or 'от природы', not 'по натуре' in formal contexts.
- In the phrase 'a nature reserve', 'nature' is not translated; the equivalent is 'заповедник'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'the nature' unnecessarily (e.g., 'I love the nature' – often uncountable).
- Confusing 'nature' with 'environment' (environment is more about surroundings, including man-made).
- Misspelling as 'natur'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'nature' is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually uncountable when referring to the physical world (e.g., 'love nature'). It is countable when meaning 'type' or 'kind' (e.g., 'a problem of a different nature').
'Nature' typically refers to the physical world not created by humans (trees, animals, rivers). 'Environment' is broader, encompassing all external conditions affecting life, which can include urban, social, or workplace settings.
The verb 'to nature' (meaning to tend or nurture) is archaic and extremely rare in modern English. It is not recommended for learners. The word is overwhelmingly a noun.
It is an idiom meaning something has become an automatic habit or skill through practice, as if it were an innate part of you (e.g., 'After years of practice, playing the piano is second nature to him').
Collections
Part of a collection
Environment
B1 · 47 words · Nature, ecology and environmental issues.
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