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URL: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nature

⇱ NATURE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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1
: the external world in its entirety
2
: natural scenery
enjoyed the beauties of nature
3
a
: disposition, temperament
It was his nature to look after others β€¦β€”πŸ‘ Image
F. A. Swinnerton
her romantic nature
b
: the inherent character or basic constitution (see constitution sense 2) of a person or thing : essence
the nature of the controversy
4
a
: humankind's original or natural condition
b
: a simplified mode of life resembling this condition
escape from civilization and get back to nature
5
: a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics
documents of a confidential nature
acts of a ceremonial nature
6
: the physical constitution or drives of an organism
especially : an excretory organ or function β€”used in phrases like the call of nature
7
: the genetically controlled qualities of an organism
… nature … modified by nurture?β€”πŸ‘ Image
E. G. Conklin
8
a
: 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
9
: a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)

Synonyms of nature

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your practical nature thrives when agreements are transparent, so write down the numbers and keep communication lines open to keep your network strong. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 Creative sessions focus on nature and fitness. β€”πŸ‘ Image
CondΓ© Nast, CondΓ© Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 Practices often idealized for their organic nature can still have environmental impacts if they are not properly implemented. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026 The statement said that per the state Government Data Practices Act, the existence and status of the complaints are public, but complainants’ names, the nature of the complaints and other related information are not. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of nature was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing nature

Rhymes for nature

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

β€œNature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nature. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the basic quality, character, or way in which a thing or person exists or has been formed
the nature of steel
2
: kind entry 1 sense 1a, sort
and things of that nature
3
: disposition sense 3a, temperament
a baby with a happy nature
4
: a power or set of forces thought of as controlling the universe
5
: natural feeling especially as shown in one's attitude toward others
your generous nature is well-known
6
: humanity's original or natural condition : primitive life
return to nature
7
: the physical universe
the study of nature
8
: the workings of a living body
leave a cure to nature
especially : an excretory function β€”used in phrases like the call of nature
9
: natural scenery
the beauties of nature
Etymology

Middle English nature "normal or essential quality of something, nature," from early French nature (same meaning), from Latin natura (same meaning), from natus, past participle of nasci "to be born" β€” related to innate, native

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