human nature

noun

1. the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other living things.
2. Sociology. the character of human conduct, generally regarded as produced by living in primary groups.

human nature

noun

1. the qualities common to humanity
2. ordinary human behaviour, esp considered as less than perfect
3. sociol the unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish it from other animal life

Word History and Origins

Origin of human nature¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

Giving these shows a try may freshen up your library and teach you something about science, history, and human nature, too.

From Outside Online

Indeed, all through these times, both the dark and bright sides of human nature were evident as many people engaged in extraordinary compassion and courage when others were committing acts of violence, self-interest, or greed.

From Popular-Science

So I think your assessment is fair, but I think that’s just human nature.

From Vox

Although a self-described haven for free speech, the service decided it had gone too far and created rules, adding volunteer moderators to rein in the dark side of human nature, including obscenity and photos of human feces.

From Fortune

They may recognize and accept, even love, the foibles of human nature.

From Nautilus

The idea is to reveal human nature and behavior with your camera moves.

From The Daily Beast

Krampus makes manifest the shadow sides of human nature that Christianity seeks to repress.

From The Daily Beast

It is a brief text with philosophical leanings that revolves around the notions of normality and abnormality in human nature.

From The Daily Beast

When MTV first started airing The Real World, it was meant to expose the brutal truth about human nature.

From The Daily Beast

But there was also reality: storylines about life, death, love, hate, and the highs and lows of human nature.

From The Daily Beast

There is a restiveness in human nature that resists compulsion, even to its own manifest advantage.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no other way but fresh blood for it is sheer human nature to feel flat after an effort.

From Project Gutenberg

Shakspeare has not only shown human nature as it is, but as it would be found in situations to which it cannot be exposed.

From Project Gutenberg

Suchet, an ardent student of human nature, was quick to appreciate how to turn to his use this provincialism.

From Project Gutenberg

Disillusionment cut him to the quick, but had no power to obscure his rosy views of human nature.

From Project Gutenberg