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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This dark aspect of human nature is especially pertinent in Hollywood, where media attention amplifies social stress to detrimental levels. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The Stanford prison experiment, a prison simulation that took place over two weeks in 1971, forever shifted the field of psychology and its interpretation of human nature. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 Many exhibit the rich sense of atmosphere, chiaroscuro lighting, and preoccupation with the dark side of human nature that would become so prevalent in the 1940s. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2024 At the heart of scientific questions about the origins of humanity lie questions of human nature. Daniel Vergano, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for human nature 

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 8 Nov. 2024.

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

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