nature

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noun na·ture \ ˈnā-chər \

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

The overarching aim of the book is more ambitious still: to challenge the reader’s ideas about both hunter-gatherer life and human nature.

— The Economist, "Living off the land," 20 July 2017
The bloodshed reflects the deeply personal nature of the fight against IS.

— Bloomberg.com, "Iraqi Officer Seeks Vengeance in Mosul, Where Killings Mount," 19 July 2017
Ten European species, including five on Sardinia in Italy, each live in an area smaller than 5000 square kilometers, and a species named Calotriton arnoldi makes its home in less than 10 square kilometers in a Spanish nature park.

— erik stokstad, Science | AAAS, "A fungus is attacking Europe’s most beloved salamander. It could wreak havoc if it gets to North America," 19 July 2017
Every night now on the television news is like a nature hike through the Book of Revelation.

— CBS News, "Al Gore's crusade," 16 July 2017
Build 16241 also shows it's serious because of the nature of its new features, emphasizing nuts-and-bolts improvements over new capabilities.

— mark hachman, PCWorld, "Windows 10 Build 16241 gives the best sneak peek yet at the Fall Creators Update," 13 July 2017
The unusual nature of the proposal attracted attention among financiers and served Sacconaghi’s presumed purpose, ratcheting up the pressure on Cook.

— mihir a. desai, The Atlantic, "Capitalism the Apple Way vs. Capitalism the Google Way," 10 July 2017
UPDATES: 4:29 p.m.: This article was updated with details regarding the nature of the warrant being served and which law enforcement agency is investigating the shooting.

— andy nguyen, Burbank Leader, "South Pasadena police reportedly involved in fatal Burbank shooting," 29 June 2017
Nature Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Clermont, Ky. Open daily, 7 a.m.-dusk.

— gege reed, The Courier-Journal, "19 kid-friendly activities in Louisville June 29-July 5," 28 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

nature Synonyms

Synonyms

character, clay, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, personality, self, tone

Related Words

distinctiveness, distinctness, individuality, singularity, uniqueness; attribute, characteristic, earmark, essentiality, feature, flavor, hallmark, mark, point, property, savor (also savour), stamp, trait; disposition, grain, sort, temper, temperament; composition, makeup; essence, essentiality, interior, interiority, soul, spirit; metal, stuff, substance; habit, way

Near Antonyms

nothingness, void

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

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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