Definition

1. Noun:
   • The essential qualities or character of a person or thing: The inherent features that define what something is.
   • The physical world and everything in it (such as plants, animals, mountains, oceans, stars, etc.) that is not made by people: Often referred to as "the natural world."
   • A particular kind or type of thing: Used to categorize things based on their shared characteristics.
   • The inherent force that directs the world and living things: A personified concept of a controlling power in the material world.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to inherent character:
  • It is his nature to be kind. (Being kind is an essential part of his character.)
  • The nature of the problem is political, not technical. (The problem's fundamental character is political.)
• Referring to the physical world:
  • We must protect nature. (We must protect the environment and living things.)
  • She loves walking in nature. (She enjoys being in the natural environment.)
• Referring to a type or category:
  • He is interested in machines and things of that nature. (He is interested in machines and similar types of things.)
  • Questions of a personal nature are inappropriate. (Questions belonging to the private type are not suitable.)

Advanced Usage

• By its very nature: Because of its fundamental qualities.
  • Change, by its very nature, creates uncertainty.
• In the nature of things: As is normal or to be expected.
  • Some mistakes are in the nature of things when starting a new project.
• Against nature: Contrary to what is considered natural or normal.
  • Such cruelty seems to be against nature.
• A call of nature: A need to urinate or defecate.
  • He excused himself to answer a call of nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Natural (adj): Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humans. Also, in accordance with the nature of a person or thing.
  • a natural disaster; a natural talent
• Naturalist (n): An expert in or student of natural history.
• Naturalize (v): To admit (a foreigner) to the citizenship of a country. Also, to introduce (a plant or animal) into a region where it is not indigenous.
• Supernature (n): The supernatural.

Synonyms

• Essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
• Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual or thing.
• Wilderness: A natural environment that has not been significantly modified by human activity.
• Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Idioms and Phrases

• Second nature: A habit or skill so ingrained it seems instinctive.
  • Driving has become second nature to her.
• The nature of the beast: The inherent and unchangeable character of something.
  • Long hours are just the nature of the beast in this profession.
• Let nature take its course: To allow events to happen without intervention.
  • The doctor said we should just let nature take its course.

Noun

1. a particular type of thing
   • problems of this type are very difficult to solve
   • he's interested in trains and things of that nature
   • matters of a personal nature
2. the complex of emotional and intellectual attributes that determine a person's characteristic actions and reactions
   • it is his nature to help others
3. the natural physical world including plants and animals and landscapes etc.
   • they tried to preserve nature as they found it
4. a causal agent creating and controlling things in the universe
   • the laws of nature
   • nature has seen to it that men are stronger than women
5. the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
   • it is the nature of fire to burn
   • the true nature of jealousy