nature
/'neitʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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
- the complex of emotional and intellectual attributes that determine a person's characteristic actions and reactions
- it is his nature to help others
- the natural physical world including plants and animals and landscapes etc.
- they tried to preserve nature as they found it
- 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
- the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
- it is the nature of fire to burn
- the true nature of jealousy