environment
gb/ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/ us/ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
surroundings in nature
The world of nature, including air, water, land, plants, and animals.
Usage pattern:
the environment
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'environment' with 'nature'. While they overlap, 'environment' can also refer to human-made surroundings or social contexts.
Synonyms
ecosystem (Refers more specifically to the community of living things and their environment, not the global environment as a whole.)
Antonyms
built environment (Refers to human-made surroundings such as buildings and roads.)
Collocations
protect the environment
|damage the environment
|environmental protection
|natural environment
|environmental impact
Themes
science
|nature
|society
Examples
- We must take action to protect the environment.
- Pollution is harming the environment at an alarming rate.
- The company has pledged to reduce its impact on the environment.
- Global warming is one of the most serious threats to the environment.
Learner examples
- We should keep the environment clean.
- Factories can harm the environment.
- Many people work to protect the environment.
- The environment is important for all life.
Noun
B1
entity
2
surrounding conditions or situation
The situation and conditions around a person or thing.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s environment
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'environment' here with just physical surroundings; it also includes social and emotional conditions.
Synonyms
setting (Refers more to the physical or situational background; less about influence or conditions.)
Antonyms
isolation (Refers to being separated from any surrounding circumstances or influences.)
Collocations
work environment
|home environment
|learning environment
|social environment
|safe environment
Themes
daily life
|society
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- A positive work environment can increase productivity.
- Children need a safe and supportive environment to grow.
- The political environment has changed significantly in recent years.
- Studying abroad exposes students to a new cultural environment.
Learner examples
- This school has a good learning environment.
- She works in a friendly environment.
- A safe environment is important for children.
- He grew up in a poor environment.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
computing system setup
In computers, the system of hardware and software where programs work.
Usage pattern:
development environment
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'environment' with 'program'; it refers to the system where programs run, not the program itself.
Synonyms
platform (Often refers specifically to the operating system or hardware; 'environment' can be broader.)
Antonyms
bare metal (Refers to running without an operating system or supporting software.)
Collocations
development environment
|runtime environment
|virtual environment
Themes
technology
Examples
- The software must be tested in different environments before release.
- He set up a virtual environment for Python development.
- This game won't run in your current environment.
Learner examples
- I use a Windows environment at work.
- We build apps in a test environment.
- This program needs a special computer environment.
Grammar
Dictionary form
environment
IPA
GB/ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
US/ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
Syllables & stress
en - vir - on - ment (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (vir)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: environment
- Plural: environments
Word family
Forms
environments
noun
Core family
environmental
adjective B1
environmentally
adverb B2
Related words
environmentalist
noun B2
Advanced or less common
environmentalism
noun
Expressions
hostile environment
1/hɑstˈaɪl ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
fixed phrase
unfriendly or dangerous surroundings
A place or situation that is not safe or welcoming.
Examples
- The desert is a hostile environment for most animals.
- Bullying can create a hostile environment at school.
in a... environment
1/ˈɪn ə | ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
fixed phrase
within certain surroundings or conditions
In a particular place or situation with certain conditions.
Examples
- Children learn best in a supportive environment.
- Plants grow well in a warm environment.
natural environment
1/nˈæt͡ʃɚəl ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
fixed phrase
parts of nature not made by humans
The land, water, air, plants, and animals that exist without human changes.
Examples
- Tourism can harm the natural environment if not managed carefully.
- Protecting the natural environment is everyone's responsibility.
safe environment
1/sˈeɪf ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
fixed phrase
surroundings without danger or harm
A place where people are not in danger and feel secure.
Examples
- Children need a safe environment to grow and learn.
- The hospital provides a safe environment for patients.
work environment
1/wˈɚk ɪnvˈaɪɹənmənt/
fixed phrase
conditions in a workplace
The physical place and social conditions where you work.
Examples
- A positive work environment can boost employee morale.
- She enjoys the relaxed work environment at her office.