# by nature

**Pronunciation:** /baɪ ˈneɪtʃər/ · by NAY-chur

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** prepositional phrase

## Meaning

As an inherent or intrinsic characteristic of someone or something, reflecting how they behave or exist permanently. It explains an innate tendency or permanent quality rather than a temporary mood.

## Examples

- She is cautious by nature and rarely takes risks with investments.
- Cats are solitary animals by nature and prefer to spend time alone.
- He is an optimist by nature, always seeing the bright side of difficult situations.

## Synonyms

- inherently — A single-word adverb with a similar meaning to fundamentally or by nature.
- innately — Describes qualities that someone is born with rather than learned.

## Common patterns

- by nature a [noun] — Used to describe someone's fundamental role or character type. — He is by nature a problem solver who loves fixing broken processes.
- cautious / optimistic / skeptical by nature — Frequently paired with adjectives describing personality traits. — Journalists are skeptical by nature and question official statements.

## Collocations

- cautious by nature — Being cautious by nature, she kept emergency savings for unexpected expenses.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/by%20nature

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)