the material world, esp. as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.

the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.

the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.

natural scenery.

the universe, with all its phenomena.

the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.

reality, as distinguished from any effect of art

a portrait true to nature.

the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character

human nature.

the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct

a man of good nature.

character, kind, or sort

two books of the same nature.

characteristic disposition; temperament

a self-willed nature; an evil nature.

the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.

the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.

a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.

a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization

a return to nature.

( initial capital letter, italics ) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism.

Theology . the moral state as unaffected by grace. ?

by nature

as a result of inborn or inherent qualities; innately

She is by nature a kindhearted person.

in a state of nature

in an uncivilized or uncultured condition.

without clothes; nude; naked.

of or in the nature of

having the character or qualities of

in the nature of an apology.

noun

attributes , being , bottom line * , complexion , constitution , description , drift , essence , essentiality , features , heart * , humor , individualism , individuality , like , makeup , meat * , mood , name of game , name of tune , nature of beast , outlook , personality , point , quality , score , stuff , temper , temperament , texture , traits , type , anatomy , brand , cast , category , character , color , conformation , figure , framework , ilk , shape , sort , species , stripe * , structure , style , variety , way , cosmos , country , countryside , environment , forest , generation , landscape , macrocosm , megacosm , natural history , outdoors , scenery , seascape , setting , universe , view , world , creation , breed , feather , lot , manner , mold , order , stamp , stripe , disposition , quintessence , substance , kind , property