environmental
gb/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/ us/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/
B1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
related to nature and ecology
About nature, air, water, land, and how people affect them.
Usage pattern:
[environmental] [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'environmental' with 'environmentalist'—the former is an adjective, the latter is a person who cares about the environment.
Synonyms
ecological (Often used in scientific or policy contexts to refer to ecosystems and their balance.)
Antonyms
industrial (Focuses on manufacturing and industry, often in contrast to environmental concerns.)
Collocations
environmental issues
|environmental protection
|environmental damage
|environmental policy
|environmental impact
Themes
science
|nature
|climate
Examples
- The government introduced new environmental regulations to reduce pollution.
- Environmental groups are campaigning to save the rainforest.
- We need to consider the environmental impact of building the new highway.
- The company is working on improving its environmental performance.
Learner examples
- The city has many environmental problems.
- We must protect our environmental resources.
- The school teaches students about environmental care.
- Environmental laws help keep the air clean.
adjective
B2
property
2
related to surroundings
About the place or situation around something or someone.
Usage pattern:
[environmental] [factor/condition/change]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with nature-related meanings; here it refers to any surroundings, not just natural ones.
Synonyms
contextual (Focuses more on situational or background context than on physical surroundings.)
Antonyms
intrinsic (Refers to qualities belonging naturally to something, not dependent on surroundings.)
Collocations
environmental factors
|environmental conditions
|environmental changes
Themes
general
|context
|conditions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Environmental factors played a role in the success of the project.
- The disease is influenced by both genetic and environmental conditions.
- We are studying the environmental changes that affect workplace productivity.
Learner examples
- The plant grows well in these environmental conditions.
- Many problems come from environmental changes.
- Environmental factors can change how people feel.
Grammar
Dictionary form
environmental
IPA
GB/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/
US/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/
Syllables & stress
en - vir - on - ment - al (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ment)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: environmental
Word family
Core family
environment
noun A2
environmentally
adverb B2
Related words
environmentalist
noun B2
Advanced or less common
environmentalism
noun
Expressions
environmental awareness
1/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl əwˈɛɹnəs/
fixed phrase
knowledge about environment issues
Knowing about problems in nature and how to protect it.
Examples
- Schools are working to improve students' environmental awareness.
- Environmental awareness has grown over the past decade.
environmental impact
1/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl ˈɪmpækt/
fixed phrase
effect on nature
The change or damage something causes to nature.
Examples
- The environmental impact of the factory was greater than expected.
- We are measuring the environmental impact of tourism in this area.
environmental policy
1/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl pˈɑlɪsi/
fixed phrase
formal
official rules for environment
Government or company rules about taking care of nature.
Examples
- The company updated its environmental policy last year.
- Environmental policy is a key part of the new government's agenda.
environmental protection
1/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl pɹətˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
protecting nature
Actions taken to keep nature safe and healthy.
Examples
- The organization focuses on environmental protection through education.
- Environmental protection laws have become stricter.