nature
gb/nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/ us/nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
the natural world
The world of plants, animals, land, and other things not made by people.
Usage pattern:
[something] in nature
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'nature' with 'natural' and say 'I like natural' instead of 'I like nature'.
Synonyms
environment (Focuses more on surroundings and conditions rather than the whole natural world.)
Antonyms
civilization (Refers to human society and culture as opposed to the natural world.)
Collocations
wild nature
|in nature
|protect nature
|study nature
Themes
environment
|science
|daily life
|nature
Examples
- We should spend more time in nature to relax.
- Nature has its own way of balancing life.
- The beauty of nature can be breathtaking.
- Scientists study nature to understand how ecosystems work.
Learner examples
- I like to walk in nature.
- Nature is beautiful in spring.
- We must protect nature for the future.
Noun
B1
entity
2
basic quality or character
The main quality or type of a person or thing.
Usage pattern:
the nature of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'nature' with 'behavior', but 'nature' is about inherent qualities, not temporary actions.
Synonyms
character (Often used for personality traits; slightly narrower focus.)
Antonyms
artifice (Implies something artificial or contrived instead of inherent.)
Collocations
human nature
|true nature
|by nature
|change the nature
Themes
psychology
|philosophy
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It's in his nature to help others.
- The nature of the problem is complex.
- She finally showed her true nature.
- Human nature drives us to seek connection.
Learner examples
- It is my nature to be quiet.
- The nature of the job is hard.
- She has a kind nature.
Noun
B2
entity
3
type or kind
The type or kind of something.
Usage pattern:
the nature of [something]
Synonyms
type (More general and common for classification without implying deeper qualities.)
Antonyms
exception (Represents something that does not fit into a given type or category.)
Collocations
legal nature
|technical nature
|confidential nature
Themes
general
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They discussed matters of a confidential nature.
- This work is of a technical nature.
- The dispute is legal in nature.
Learner examples
- The meeting was of a private nature.
- His job is business in nature.
- We talked about things of a personal nature.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nature
IPA
GB/nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
US/nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
nature (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (nature)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: nature
- Plural: nature, natures
Word family
Forms
natures
noun
Related words
naturalist
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unnatural
adjective B1
unnaturally
adverb
Advanced or less common
naturalize
verb
naturalization
noun B2
Expressions
by nature
1/bˈaɪ nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
because of inherent qualities
Used to say that someone or something has a certain quality from birth or naturally.
Examples
- She is shy by nature and avoids large crowds.
- By nature, cats are independent animals.
human nature
1/hjˈumən nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Basic qualities of people
The usual ways people think, feel, and act that are part of being human.
Examples
- It's human nature to want to be liked.
- It's just human nature to want to belong.
- Helping others is part of human nature.
- Curiosity is part of human nature.
second nature
1/sˈɛkənd nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
idiom
automatic skill or habit
Something you can do easily because you have done it many times before.
Examples
- Driving has become second nature to her.
- After years of practice, playing the piano was second nature.
second nature
2/sˈɛkənd nˈeɪt͡ʃɚ/
idiom
something done without thinking from habit
Something you can do very easily because you have done it many times before.
Examples
- Driving has become second nature to her after years on the road.
- For him, speaking in public is second nature.