the natural world

the natural world — idiom

1. all the living creatures, plants, landscapes, and physical features of the Earth

1.idiomB1
Definition

all the living creatures, plants, landscapes, and physical features of the Earth that exist without human influence or intervention

Example

Putri gave a talk about the natural world to the local school children.

collocation: give a talk about the natural world

The natural world provides food and clean water for every living creature.

subject: the natural world + provides [essential resources]

Common collocations
  • protect the natural world
  • preserve the natural world
  • threats to the natural world
  • damage to the natural world
  • connection to the natural world
  • the natural world + provides / offers / gives
Synonyms
  • nature

    simpler, more general term that does not require the definite article

  • the environment

    often includes human-made surroundings; broader in scope

  • the living world

    focuses specifically on living organisms rather than physical features

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

the + natural + world

Usage Note

Always takes the definite article 'the'. Refers to the whole system of living and non-living natural features, not a specific place or region.

Common Mistakes

Natural world is full of beauty.
The natural world is full of beauty.
this phrase always requires the definite article 'the'.
We visited the natural world last weekend.
We visited a nature reserve last weekend.
'the natural world' refers to the entire system of nature, not a specific location.

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

This phrase combines two very old words: 'natural' comes from Latin 'naturalis' (by birth, according to nature), and 'world' comes from Old English 'weorold' (human existence, the earth). The two words have been used together since at least the 17th century to describe the realm of nature as distinct from human civilisation.