human nature

noun

: the nature of humans
especially : the fundamental dispositions and traits of humans

Examples of human nature in a Sentence

You can't change human nature.
Recent Examples on the Web Francis Lawrence: This time the story is much more about human nature. WIRED, 17 Nov. 2023 Chimpanzees’ propensity for violence has raised questions about human nature: If one of our closest living relatives is inclined to fight and kill, are humans innately violent, too? Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Nov. 2023 This hostility has led researchers to assume that group conflict is an innate part of human nature. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Nov. 2023 But, for ideological reasons, his father forbade him to study biology; in Howard’s view, the possibility of genetic determinism contravened the Communist belief in the ultimate malleability of human nature. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 Smith still has so much to teach us today because of his deep understanding of human nature. Anne Bradley, National Review, 16 Oct. 2023 There’s something about human nature to anthropomorphize objects or anything. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 That has been a component of human nature from the beginning — and something to be guarded against, vigilantly. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Sep. 2023 Victims of Alabama politicians who pandered to the very worst of human nature for votes and power. John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'human nature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human nature was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near human nature

Cite this Entry

“Human nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20nature. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

human nature

noun
: the nature of human beings
especially : the ways of thinking, acting, and reacting that are common to most or all human beings or that are learned in social situations

More from Merriam-Webster on human nature

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