nature
/ˈneɪtʃə(r); `netʃɚ/ n
1 [U] the whole universe and every created, not man-made, thing 宇宙和(非人造的)万物; 自然界; 大自然
the wonders of nature 大自然的奥妙
This phenomenon is unique in (the whole of) nature. 这种现象在(整个)自然界是罕见的.
[attrib 作定语]
nature worship 自然崇拜.
2 [U] simple life of man before he became civilized (文明前的)简朴生活
He wants to give away all his modern possessions and return to nature. 他要舍弃一切时髦的东西而归真返璞.
3 [U] (esp 尤作 Nature) force(s) controlling the events of the physical world 大自然的力量
Man is engaged in a constant struggle with Nature. 人类与大自然进行不懈的斗争.
Miracles are contrary to nature. 奇迹是与大自然的力量相对的.
4
(a) [C, U] typical qualities and characteristics of a person or an animal (人或动物的)本性, 天性
It's his nature (ie It's his natural reaction)to be kind to people. 他为人厚道.
There is no cruelty in her nature. 她心地善良.
Cats and dogs have quite different natures dogs like company, cats are independent.猫和狗的习性迥异--狗喜欢有伴, 猫爱独来独往.
She is proud by nature. 她生性傲慢.
(b) [sing] qualities of a material or non-material thing 性质
Chemists study the nature of gases. 有的化学家研究气体的性质.
He knows nothing of the nature of my work. 他一点也不了解我的工作性质.
5 [sing] sort; kind 种类; 类别
Things of that nature do not interest me. 我对那种事物不感兴趣.
6 (idm 习语) against `nature unnatural; immoral 违反自然的; 不合情理的; 不道德的. one's better feelings/nature => better1. a call of nature => call1. in the nature of sth similar to/like sth; a type of sth 与某事物相似[类似]; 某事物之类
His speech was in the nature of an apology. 他讲的话就算是道歉. in a state of nature => state1. second `nature (to sb) what seems natural or instinctive, but has been learned 第二种天性(学得的近於天生的或本能的事物)
After a while, driving becomes second nature to you. 过不多久, 开车的动作就像本能的反应一样了.