Environment
/ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
/ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
The natural world around us.
The environment is crucial for all living creatures.
💡 Simply: Imagine your backyard, the park, or even your classroom! The environment is everything around you that affects how you live. Like, the air you breathe, the weather, the plants and animals.
👶 For kids: Everything around a living thing, like the air, water, and land!
More Examples
We need to protect the environment from pollution.
A healthy environment supports a diverse range of species.
How It's Used
"The polar bear's environment is threatened by climate change."
"Deforestation has a significant impact on the local environment."
The circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded.
/ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
The conditions surrounding a person or thing.
The workplace environment is important for employee productivity.
💡 Simply: Think about your classroom or your home. The people, the rules, the mood – that's the environment. It can be a place that makes you feel happy, stressed, or anything in between.
👶 For kids: The way things are around you, like the people and feelings you experience.
More Examples
The school environment should foster learning.
A supportive environment can help children thrive.
How It's Used
"The company created a positive work environment."
"He was raised in a supportive environment."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Built environment
The human-made surroundings, including buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
"The impact of the built environment on urban air quality is a major concern."
Work environment
The conditions in which people work, including the physical surroundings, work culture, and social atmosphere.
"A positive work environment leads to increased productivity."
Environmental impact
The effect of human activities on the environment.
"The environmental impact of deforestation can be severe."
From Old French *environ* (around) + -ment (forming nouns of action or state). Initially referred to the surroundings, later evolving to encompass ecological contexts.
Used as a noun since the 17th century, initially referring to the surrounding conditions of a person or thing, and later expanding to encompass ecological contexts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of the air, water, and land around you.
Word Origin
"Around, surroundings"