plants, animals
1 (often Nature) [U] all the plants, animals and things that exist in the universe that are not made by people:
the beauties of nature * man-made substances not found in nature * nature conservation
HELPNOTE You cannot use 'the nature' in this meaning: _t_h_e_ _b_e_a_u_t_i_e_s_ _o_f_ _t_h_e_ _n_a_t_u_r_e_._ _I_t_ _i_s_ _o_f_t_e_n_ _b_e_t_t_e_r_ _t_o_ _u_s_e_ _a_n_o_t_h_e_r_ _a_p_p_r_o_p_r_i_a_t_e_ _w_o_r_d_,_ _f_o_r_ _e_x_a_m_p_l_e_ the countryside, the scenery or wildlife: We stopped to admire the scenery. * _W_e_ _s_t_o_p_p_e_d_ _t_o_ _a_d_m_i_r_e_ _t_h_e_ _n_a_t_u_r_e_.
2 (often Nature) [U] the way that things happen in the physical world when it is not controlled by people:
the forces / laws of nature * Just let nature take its course. * Her illness was Nature's way of telling her to do less.
seealsoMOTHERNATURE
character
3 [C,U] the usual way that a person or an animal behaves that is part of their character:
It's not in his nature to be unkind. * She is very sensitive by nature. * We appealed to his better nature (= his kindness).
seealsoGOODNATURE, HUMANNATURE, SECONDNATURE
basic qualities
4 [sing.] the basic qualities of a thing:
the changing nature of society * It's difficult to define the exact nature of the problem. * My work is very specialized in nature. * The future by its very nature is uncertain.
type / kind
5 [sing.] a type or kind of sth:
books of a scientific nature * Don't worry about things of that nature.
-natured
6 (in adjectives) having the type of character or quality mentioned:
a good-natured man
IDIOMS
against nature not natural; not moral:
Murder is a crime against nature.
(get, go, etc.) back to nature to return to a simple kind of life in the country, away from cities:
When you're camping, you can get back to nature.
in the nature of sth similar to sth; a type of sth; in the style of sth:
His speech was in the nature of an apology.
in the nature of things in the way that things usually happen:
In the nature of things, young people often rebel against their parents.
moreatCALLn., FORCEn.
