nature

noun na·ture \ ˈnā-chər \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 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

The competitive nature of these guys in the street, that vie for the biggest prize or the hottest girl.

— josie duffy rice, The Atlantic, "The Gospel According to Pusha T," 12 July 2018
Joe questions his own hotheaded, shoot-from-the-hip nature, especially when age gets in the way of taking action.

— brian truitt, USA TODAY, "Obama and Biden ride again (as detectives!) in the fun mystery, 'Hope Never Dies'," 9 July 2018
It was released - most likely from Tan himself - that Mackay and then sporting director Iain Moody had sent text messages that were considered to be racist, sexist and homophobic in nature, which resulted in him not getting the Palace job.

— SI.com, "From Hero to Villain to Hero Again: The Vincent Tan Journey," 8 July 2018
That’s the nature of trade wars as well, and while no one is likely to win this confrontation, both sides could certainly lose.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "So Much Trade Losing," 6 July 2018
But the University of Minnesota study offers an important reminder: Donald Trump’s secret weapon in 2016 wasn’t the unpopularity of his xenophobic populism, but rather, the anti-democratic nature of America’s electoral institutions.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "New Study: Trump’s Immigration Agenda May Have Hurt Him in 2016," 3 July 2018
We’re being pushed by this aspect’s rebellious, stubborn nature and penchant for radical change.

— jodie layne, Teen Vogue, "Lunar Eclipse 2018: What You Need to Know," 3 July 2018
But in the great debate between nature and nurture (something of a false dichotomy by current scientific standards), Wardle’s film, or at least the people in it, seem to favor nurture.

— julia felsenthal, Vogue, "Three Identical Strangers Revisits a Shadowy Scientific Conspiracy," 29 June 2018
There are many factors, but the most important reason is because there’s so much embodied in the story of the Pony Express that’s part of the American spirit: man verses nature, rugged individual exploits.

— National Geographic, "Why the Short-Lived Pony Express Still Fascinates Us," 23 June 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