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Environment: meaning, definitions and examples

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environment

 

[ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

natural world

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Synonyms

ecosystem, habitat, surroundings.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
environment

Use this word to talk about the conditions around a person or thing, whether it's natural or man-made. It can refer to physical, social, or cultural elements.

  • Our environment affects our health
  • The city government is working to create a better environment for its citizens
surroundings

Use this word to describe the immediate area around a person, place, or thing. It can be used in a general sense and is often less formal.

  • She felt lost in her new surroundings
  • His peaceful surroundings helped him relax
habitat

This word is best suited for talking about the natural home or environment where a specific animal or plant lives.

  • The polar bear's habitat is shrinking due to climate change
  • Coral reefs provide a habitat for many marine species
ecosystem

Use this term when discussing a biological community and its interactions with the physical environment. Often used in scientific or ecological contexts.

  • The rainforest is a complex ecosystem with thousands of species
  • Pollution can disrupt the balance of an aquatic ecosystem

Examples of usage

  • The panda's natural environment is the bamboo forest.
  • We need to protect the environment for future generations.
Context #2 | Noun

working conditions

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, machine, or organization operates.

Synonyms

atmosphere, milieu, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
environment

Used when talking about the natural world or conditions affecting life on Earth. Often involved in discussions about ecology, pollution, and conservation.

  • We need to protect the environment to ensure future generations can enjoy a healthy planet.
  • The company's policies are designed to minimize their impact on the environment.
setting

Commonly used to describe the time and place in which the events of a book, movie, or play take place. Can also refer to the physical surroundings where something happens.

  • The novel's setting is crucial to understanding its plot and characters.
  • The conference was held in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean.
atmosphere

Refers to the mood or feeling in a particular place or situation. Frequently used in social settings, literature, or to describe the vibe of an event.

  • The café has a cozy atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for locals.
  • The eerie atmosphere in the haunted house gave me chills.
milieu

Often used in more sophisticated or academic contexts to describe the social environment, background, or cultural setting in which something occurs. Less common in everyday speech.

  • The artist thrived in the creative milieu of Paris in the 1920s.
  • His work explores the milieu of urban poverty.

Examples of usage

  • A healthy work environment is important for employee productivity.
  • The office environment was noisy and distracting.
Context #3 | Noun

political context

The political, social, and economic context in which something is situated.

Synonyms

background, context, situation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
environment

Use this word when talking about the natural world, surroundings, or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It can also refer to the setting or conditions of a particular activity.

  • The rainforest is a delicate environment that needs protection.
  • The office environment plays a crucial role in employee productivity.
context

This word is best used when discussing the circumstances or facts surrounding a particular event, statement, or idea to give it clearer meaning.

  • Without context, the quote can be easily misunderstood.
  • Understanding the historical context of the novel helps in better comprehension.
situation

Use this word to describe a set of circumstances in which one finds themselves, often used to discuss a problem or a state of affairs.

  • The economic situation in the country is improving.
  • She handled the difficult situation very well.
background

This word is suitable for describing a person's education, experience, or the historical context leading to a current situation. It can also refer to the part of a scene that's farthest from the viewer.

  • She has a strong background in engineering.
  • The mountains in the background make the painting more dynamic.

Examples of usage

  • The business thrived in a stable environment.
  • The company faced challenges due to the uncertain economic environment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'environner', meaning ‘to encircle or surround’.
  • It first appeared in English around the late 14th century, primarily referring to physical surroundings.
  • Over time, the term evolved to include socio-cultural and psychological aspects of our surroundings.

Science

  • In biology, the environment includes all living and non-living things that interact with an organism.
  • The term is crucial in ecology, where it's studied how organisms adapt to and interact with their environments.
  • Climate change significantly impacts various environments, altering habitats and affecting species survival.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique relationships with their environments, influencing art, philosophy, and lifestyle.
  • Indigenous peoples often view the environment as a living entity that deserves respect and care.
  • Environmental themes in literature often reflect human-nature relationships, showcasing the impact of industrialization.

Psychology

  • Our environments can greatly influence mood and behavior, with natural spaces often promoting well-being.
  • Studies show that exposure to greenery can reduce stress and improve focus and creativity.
  • Environmental psychology explores how we interact with our surroundings, shaping architectural and urban design.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Avatar' emphasize the beauty of alien environments and the importance of protecting them.
  • Environmentalism has become a popular theme in music, inspiring songs that advocate for planet protection.
  • Books focusing on dystopian environments, like 'The Hunger Games', illustrate the consequences of environmental neglect.

Translations

Translations of the word "environment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ambiente

🇮🇳 पर्यावरण

🇩🇪 Umwelt

🇮🇩 lingkungan

🇺🇦 довкілля

🇵🇱 środowisko

🇯🇵 環境 (かんきょう)

🇫🇷 environnement

🇪🇸 medio ambiente

🇹🇷 çevre

🇰🇷 환경 (環境)

🇸🇦 بيئة

🇨🇿 prostředí

🇸🇰 prostredie

🇨🇳 环境 (huánjìng)

🇸🇮 okolje

🇮🇸 umhverfi

🇰🇿 қоршаған орта

🇬🇪 გარემო

🇦🇿 mühit

🇲🇽 medio ambiente

Word Frequency Rank

At #995 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.