How to pronounce nature
Say it like NAY-cher. Nature has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY).
- NAY
- cher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nature pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- cherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of nature
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAY-chuh.
What does nature mean?
- The way things are, the totality of all things in the physical universe and their order, especially the physical world in contrast to spiritual realms and flora and fauna as distinct from human conventions, art, and technology.“Nature doesn't lie.”
- The essential or innate characteristics of a person or thing which will always tend to manifest, especially in contrast to specific contexts, reason, religious duty, upbringing, and personal pretense or effort.“It's not in my nature to steal.”
- The distinguishing characteristic of a person or thing, understood as its general class, sort, type, etc.“What was the nature of your relationship with the deceased?”
Where does nature come from?
Displaced native Middle English erd (“character, nature, disposition”) from Old English eard (compare German Art (“nature, character, kind, type”)); and Middle English kynde (“character, disposition, nature”) from Old English ġecynd.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying nature
How do you pronounce nature?
Say NAY-cher. The American pronunciation is /ˈneɪtʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈneɪtʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nature?
Nature has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY). Broken into parts: NAY · cher.
Is nature pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈneɪtʃə/ (NAY-chuh).