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noun

environment

ihn-VEYE-ruh-muhnt
noun
1
The natural world, including land, water, air, and living things.
"The factory was fined for damaging the local environment."
2
The surrounding conditions or setting in which someone lives, works, or something exists.
"She grew up in a loving and supportive environment."
"The startup thrives in a fast-paced, competitive environment."

How to Use Environment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the natural world around us, or the general setting/conditions someone is in.

Common pairings
protect the environment work environment natural environment

Word Forms

environments plural

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The factory was fined for damaging the local _____.

Etymology

From Middle French environnement, related to environ, "around, about."

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Rhymes for environment

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial