nature

noun na·ture \ ˈnā-chər \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: nature in a Sentence

Definition of nature

1 a : the inherent character or basic constitution (see constitution 2) of a person or thing : essence

the nature of the controversy

b : disposition, temperament

it was his nature to look after others
—F. A. Swinnerton

her romantic nature

2 a : a creative and controlling force in the universe

b : an inner force (such as instinct, appetite, desire) or the sum of such forces in an individual

3 : a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics

documents of a confidential nature

acts of a ceremonial nature

4 : the physical constitution or drives of an organism; especially : an excretory organ or function —used in phrases like the call of nature

5 : a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)

6 : the external world in its entirety

7 a : humankind's original or natural condition

b : a simplified mode of life resembling this condition

escape from civilization and get back to nature

8 : the genetically controlled qualities of an organism

nature … modified by nurture
—E. G. Conklin

9 : natural scenery

enjoyed the beauties of nature

See nature defined for English-language learners

See nature defined for kids

Examples of nature in a Sentence

He devoted himself to the study of nature.
That is a color not found in nature.
Hunger is nature's way of telling you to eat.
Gravity is one of the basic laws of nature.
She's very competitive by nature.

Recent Examples of nature from the Web

At the same time, Green has an invaluable ally in head coach Steve Kerr, who wouldn’t think of trying to stifle the power forward’s basic nature.

— bruce jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "Draymond Green’s season review: The Preacher spread Warriors’ gospel," 13 June 2018
There’s no competitive nature in young athletes anymore.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "The best viral high school baseball video brings out worst in Internet," 12 June 2018
Rita Joe, playing the role originated by Viola Davis, uses her expressive face and voice to communicate Vera’s torn nature as a woman who has been burned and thus expects the worst but who can’t help hoping for love’s redemption.

— christine dolen, miamiherald, "'Seven Guitars' a riveting revival of August Wilson's take on black life in the 20th century," 12 June 2018
In addition to allowing users to virtually visit the country’s nature and history, Portal AR also examines the ways in which Scots, live, work, invest and study.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Step Into Scotland With Immersive AR App," 12 June 2018
According to reports, her majesty's extreme kindness and caring nature also apparently extends to her animals as well.

— stacey leasca, Southern Living, "WATCH: Even Queen Elizabeth’s Cows Are Treated Like Royalty," 11 June 2018
Cantus Arcticus’ there is this connection with nature, which is kind of mystical.

— patrick neas, kansascity, "Violinist Augustin Hadelich joins KC Symphony for an eclectic program," 10 June 2018
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures was a formative experience for many reasons, but chief among them was the everyday nature of their preferred time-traveling vessel.

— ars staff, Ars Technica, "The Millennium Falcon is OK, but these pop culture ships make Ars hearts race," 26 May 2018
The Expanse easily fits that description, with a multiracial cast and an emphasis on the destructive nature of societal divisions.

— andrew liptak, The Verge, "It’s official: Amazon has saved The Expanse," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nature

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin natura, from natus, past participle of nasci to be born — more at nation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

nature Synonyms

Synonyms

disposition, grain, temper, temperament;

angle, attitude, mind-set, outlook, perspective, slant, standpoint, viewpoint;

emotion, feeling, heart, passion, sentiment, spirit;

strain;

belief, conviction, judgment (or judgement), mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, view;

expression, tone, vein;

character, identity, individuality, makeup, mettle, personality, selfhood, self-identity, setup;

Synonym Discussion of nature

type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

- one of three basic body types

kind may suggest natural grouping.

- a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

sort often suggests some disparagement.

- the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

- two problems of a similar nature

description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

- not all acts of that description are actually illegal

character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

- research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

NATURE Defined for English Language Learners

nature

noun

Definition of nature for English Language Learners

: the physical world and everything in it (such as plants, animals, mountains, oceans, stars, etc.) that is not made by people
: the natural forces that control what happens in the world
: the way that a person or animal behaves : the character or personality of a person or animal