environments

IPA/ɪnˈvaɪ.rə.mənt/
KK[ɪnvˈaɪrənmənts]IPA/ɪnˈvaɪ.rə.mənt/

environments — noun

  • environmentssingular
  • environmentsesplural

1. the physical world that all living things share — including the air, water, soil

1.nounB1
Definition

the physical world that all living things share — including the air, water, soil, plants, and animals found on Earth

Example

The new law aims to protect the natural environment from factory pollution.

collocation: protect the [natural] environment

Nora joined a group that cleans up plastic waste from the local environment.

Common collocations
  • the environment
  • protect the environment
  • damage the environment
  • harm the environment
  • natural environment
  • marine environment
  • local environment
  • global environment
Synonyms
  • ecosystem

    more technical; refers to a specific community of living things interacting with their surroundings

  • habitat

    narrower; refers to the natural home of a particular animal or plant

  • wilderness

    focuses on undeveloped, uncultivated natural land, not the whole natural world

Antonyms
  • urban area

    a built-up space with roads and buildings, as opposed to the natural world

Usage Note

Frequently used with the definite article: "the environment" — especially when referring to the Earth's natural systems as a whole.

Common Mistakes

We need to protect environment.
We need to protect the environment.
In English, 'the environment' (the natural world) almost always requires the definite article.
The environment is very beautiful in that forest.
The forest environment is very beautiful.
When referring to a specific natural setting, use a modifier (forest environment, marine environment) rather than 'the environment' alone.

2. the conditions, situations, and social or cultural influences that surround a pe

2.nounB1
Definition

the conditions, situations, and social or cultural influences that surround a person or group and affect how they feel or behave

Example

The school tries to provide a safe learning environment for all its students.

collocation: learning environment

Kevin works best in a quiet environment where he can concentrate without interruptions.

Common collocations
  • work environment
  • learning environment
  • home environment
  • social environment
  • business environment
  • safe environment
  • competitive environment
  • quiet environment
  • create an environment
  • provide an environment
Synonyms
  • setting

    more neutral; describes the physical or social context without implying influence

  • atmosphere

    focuses on the mood or feeling of a place rather than the conditions

  • surroundings

    more concrete; refers to the immediate physical space around someone

Usage Note

Often preceded by an adjective describing the type of setting: learning environment, work environment, home environment, social environment.

Common Mistakes

I like a quiet work environment to studying.
I like a quiet work environment for studying.
Follow 'environment' with 'for' + gerund, not 'to' + gerund.
The environment in my office is stress.
The environment in my office is stressful.
Use an adjective (stressful, friendly, competitive), not a noun, to describe the quality of the environment.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four words describe the context around a person, but they differ in emphasis. Environment focuses on the conditions and influences that shape someone's experience — it is the broadest and most common word. Setting is more neutral and concrete; it describes where something happens without suggesting that the place actively affects you. Atmosphere highlights the mood or emotional quality of a place (a tense atmosphere, a friendly atmosphere). Surroundings refers to the immediate physical space and objects around you (beautiful surroundings, familiar surroundings). For example: 'The school provides a supportive learning environment' (conditions and attitudes). 'The school is set in beautiful surroundings' (physical setting). 'The atmosphere in the classroom was relaxed' (mood). 'The quiet mountain setting helped her focus' (location).

setting ↗atmosphere ↗surroundings ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • environment + noun: environment minister, environment policy, environment agency

Prepositions

  • in an environment
  • environment for

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'environment' comes from Old French 'environner' meaning 'to surround,' which is based on 'environ' meaning 'around.' This French root goes back to the Latin 'in' (in) and 'gyrum' (a circle or circuit). The word entered English in the early 1600s with the general meaning of 'something that surrounds.' Its modern use for 'the natural world' became common in the mid-1900s with the rise of the environmental movement.

First known use

1725

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1