Environment: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.