Reading Theme:
Nature Definition: Natural World and Innate Character (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：the natural world (nature)
nature
/ˈneɪtʃər/
n.
Everything in the world that is not made by people, like plants, animals, and mountains.
the natural world
➕
/ðə ˈnætʃərəl wɜːrld/
n.
Everything in the world not made by humans, including plants, animals, landscapes, and natural phenomena.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'natura' (birth, character), from 'natus' (born), related to 'native' and 'nation'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'nature' as 'birth' (natus) of all living things – the root of our natural world.
📖 Example
She loves to walk in nature to clear her mind after a busy week.
She loves to walk in nature to clear her mind after a busy week.
🔗 Collocations
in nature – in the natural environment
the beauty of nature – the aesthetic qualities of the natural world
forces of nature – natural powers like weather and earthquakes
🔄 Synonyms
world (n.) – the natural world, especially as opposed to human creations
environment (n.) – the surroundings or conditions in which living things exist
wilderness (n.) – an uncultivated, uninhabited natural area
🚫 Antonyms
artifact (n.) – an object made by humans
artificiality (n.) – the quality of being made or produced by humans rather than occurring naturally
civilization (n.) – a human society with advanced development
🌱 Derivatives
natural (adj.) – existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humans
naturally (adv.) – in a way that exists in nature
naturalist (n.) – a person who studies plants and animals in their natural environment
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'natura' (birth, essential qualities), derived from 'nasci' (to be born). Initially meaning inherent character, it expanded to the physical world during the Enlightenment.
Meaning 2：innate character (nature)
nature
/ˈneɪtʃər/
n.
The basic qualities that a person or thing is born with.
innate character
➕
/ɪˈneɪt ˈkærɪktər/
n.
The inherent personality traits or qualities that define a person or thing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
It is not in his nature to be rude; he's usually very polite.
It is not in his nature to be rude; he's usually very polite.
🔗 Collocations
human nature – the general characteristics and feelings of all humans
against nature – contrary to natural tendencies or morality
second nature – a behavior that has become automatic through practice
🔄 Synonyms
character (n.) – the set of qualities that make a person or thing distinct
disposition (n.) – a person's inherent qualities of mind and character
temperament (n.) – a person's basic nature, especially as it affects their behavior
🚫 Antonyms
artificiality (n.) – something fake or pretended, not genuine
affectation (n.) – behavior that is not natural but intended to impress
unnaturalness (n.) – the quality of being not natural or normal
🌱 Derivatives
natural (adj.) – inborn; not learned or artificial
naturally (adv.) – in a way that is part of someone's character
naturalist (n.) – a person who believes that behavior is determined by innate factors
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