Environments: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to various surroundings or conditions in which a person, plant, or animal lives or operates. This word is versatile and can be used in general contexts.

• Children learn better in supportive environments
• The company is working to create healthier work environments

Specifically refers to the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Often used in wildlife or nature contexts.

• Tigers are losing their natural habitat due to deforestation
• This park serves as a habitat for many species of birds

Focuses on the interdependent network of organisms and their physical environment. Commonly used in scientific or environmental discussions.

• The destruction of the forest has affected the local ecosystem
• Coral reefs are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem

Describes the area around a person or thing, usually referring to physical space rather than in a scientific sense.

• She felt comfortable in her new surroundings
• The house was hidden from view by lush surroundings

Used when referring generally to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, plant, or animal lives or operates. This can be natural, social, or virtual settings.

• Children need supportive environments to thrive.
• Developers work in different environments to test software.

Commonly used in technology and computing to describe a secure environment where code changes or new applications can be tested safely. Also, in the context of children's play areas.

• Developers used a sandbox to test new features without affecting the main application.
• The children built a castle in the sandbox at the park.

Used when referring to a simulated environment that is created by software, often associated with virtual reality or cyberspace.

• Gamers often immerse themselves in vast virtual spaces.
• The virtual space allowed the team to collaborate from different parts of the world.

Ideal when talking about a physical or virtual object used to hold or transport something. In software, it often refers to isolated systems running applications.

• The container holds all the necessary files for the application to run smoothly.
• She used a plastic container to store the leftovers.