nature

/'neitʃə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
nature

The children explore the plants and animals in nature.

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.
nature

The children explore the plants and animals in nature.

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