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human nature
noun
: the nature of humans
especially
: the fundamental dispositions and traits of humans
Examples of human nature in a Sentence
You can't change human nature.
Recent Examples on the Web
The goals of this project are admirable, but face psychological headwinds because focusing on threats and evil is part of human nature.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
This story explores the duality of human nature from an unconventional perspective: kids.
—
Jamie Lang, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
But Mo’s view of human nature, while never naively optimistic, is more generous than that comment suggests.
—
Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed Jan. 27, brings the weight of history, the horror of genocide, and a profound reckoning with the worst of human nature.
—
Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of human nature was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near human nature
Cite this Entry
“Human nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20nature. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
human nature
noun
: the nature of human beings
especially
: the ways of thinking, acting, and reacting that are common to most or all human beings or that are learned in social situations
More from Merriam-Webster on human nature
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about human nature
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