What does "nature" mean?

1. (the physical world) the physical world, including plants, animals, mountains, and weather, as distinct from things made by people. 2. (character or type) the basic character or quality of a person, animal, or thing. 3. (Mother Nature) the force that controls the weather and all living things, often spoken about as if it were a person. 4. (bodily healing) the natural power of the body to heal itself without medicine.

nature — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01the physical world

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the physical world, including plants, animals, mountains, and weather, as distinct from things made by people.

n. the totality of the physical world and its phenomena, specifically flora, fauna, and landscapes as opposed to human-made environments.

“We spent the weekend hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature.”

“Conservationists argue that human encroachment into protected areas is causing irreparable damage to the delicate balance of nature.”

Synonyms

wildlife environment outdoors

Antonyms

civilization technology

02character or type

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the basic character or quality of a person, animal, or thing.

n. the innate or essential qualities and character of a person, object, or situation.

“It is not in his nature to be mean to other people.”

“The complex nature of the legal dispute required the intervention of several high-level specialists from different jurisdictions.”

Synonyms

character essence disposition

03Mother Nature

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Literary

n. the force that controls the weather and all living things, often spoken about as if it were a person.

n. the personification of natural forces as a creative or controlling agency.

“You cannot fight against nature when a storm is coming.”

“The poet describes nature as a stern mother who provides for her children but demands absolute obedience to her laws.”

Synonyms

Mother Nature

04bodily healing

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical · Formal

n. the natural power of the body to heal itself without medicine.

n. the inherent restorative or regenerative power of a living organism to recover from illness or injury.

“The doctor said we should just let nature take its course and wait for the fever to break.”

“In palliative care, the medical team may decide to step back and let nature take its course rather than pursuing aggressive interventions.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'let nature take its course'.

Synonyms

constitution vitality

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nature” in context.

01. nature reserve 02. absolutely nature 03. alter nature 04. clearly nature 05. complex nature 06. dynamic nature 07. emphasise nature 08. establish nature 09. explore nature 10. highlight nature 11. human nature 12. nature homogeneous

NOUN

nature(A2)

ADJECTIVE

natured(B2)