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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 film aims to debunk the myth behind Professor Philip Zimbardo’s conclusions and expose how the media played a role in distorting the narrative of human nature.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
The problem appears to have been threefold: poor decision-making, having to delegate some of the former president’s security to local authorities and human nature.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
Because human nature is complicated, human nature has multiple layers.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024
As is human nature, the two sides caricature each other and try to demonize each other.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for human nature
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'human nature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 5 Oct. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about human nature
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