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nature

noun
na·​ture | \ ˈnā-chər How to pronounce nature (audio) \

Definition of nature

1a : the inherent character or basic constitution (see constitution sense 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
2a : 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
7a : 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
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about nature

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Or Outdoor Afro, founded by National Geographic Fellow Rue Mapp, which aims to reconnect African Americans with nature. — Heather Greenwood Davis, National Geographic, "What I’ve learned as a black traveler," 5 Sep. 2019 Little ones interact with nature at different stations, with activities like digging in soil and arranging flowers; story time is also part of the fun. 10 a.m. till noon Mondays at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. — Web Behrens, chicagotribune.com, "Labor Day is over, time to start planning for fall. Here’s a list of awesome family activities around Chicago.," 4 Sep. 2019 The quality time in nature with my only sibling and our young children was lovely, of course. — Beth Spotswood, SFChronicle.com, "Doomed on a quest to spot Bay Area shipwrecks," 4 Sep. 2019 Out of a set of 1,000 clips with pauses, a mere 32 were connectional in nature. — Michael Erard, Quartz, "How a doctor and a linguist are using AI to better talk to dying patients," 3 Sep. 2019 The answer, foodies say, is to go back to a better, gentler age, when farmers worked with nature and did not try to dominate it. — The Economist, "The foody benefits of farming vertically," 29 Aug. 2019 With Juul's discreet and odorless nature, teachers have a hard time catching students. — Rasha Ali, USA TODAY, "School's PSA to parents on identifying e-cigarettes goes viral: 'You see this watch...it's a vape'," 28 Aug. 2019 At their waterfront Sag Harbor home, everything, from purchasing the land to designing the rooms to entertaining friends, was—and is—done with nature in mind. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "This Home Is Made for Indoor-Outdoor Living," 28 Aug. 2019 The city wants urban infill on transit corridors, and that is consistent with the urban nature of this project. — George Avalos, The Mercury News, "Big downtown San Jose housing development eyed at old tire sales lot," 27 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of nature

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for nature

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

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More Definitions for nature

nature

noun
How to pronounce nature (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of nature

: 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

See the full definition for nature in the English Language Learners Dictionary

nature

noun
na·​ture | \ ˈnā-chər How to pronounce nature (audio) \

Kids Definition of nature

1 : the physical world and everything in it It is one of the most beautiful creatures found in nature.
2 : natural scenery or surroundings We took a hike to enjoy nature.
3 : the basic character of a person or thing Scientists studied the nature of the new substance.
4 : natural feelings : disposition, temperament She has a generous nature.
5 : sort entry 1 sense 1, type What is the nature of your problem?

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