environment
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛnvˈaɪrənmənt/
US
- /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
Description
- surroundings
- conditions
- context
Your environment is everything around you that affects how you live, grow, or act. It can mean the natural world, like the air, water, land, plants, and animals around us. It can also mean the place or situation a person is in, such as a home, school, workplace, or family.
The word is often used in everyday life: "She grew up in a supportive learning environment." It is also common when talking about nature: "Protecting the environment is important for future generations." In both cases, the idea is the same: it is the setting and conditions that shape life.
The word environment first brings to mind the natural world. We use it for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land around us, and the living things that share that space. In this sense, people often talk about pollution, climate change, or protecting the environment. For example: "Deforestation harms the local environment."
But the word is not limited to nature. It also means the conditions and surroundings in which a person, animal, or thing exists. A child can grow up in a safe environment. A worker can be in a stressful environment. A plant needs the right environment to grow. In each case, the word points to the setting and the forces around something.
It is also common in phrases like "learning environment," "work environment," and "social environment." These phrases describe the kind of place people are in and how that place affects their behavior, comfort, health, or success. A calm classroom can create a better learning environment. A kind group of friends can create a healthy social environment.
So, the word environment can refer to nature, to a physical place, or to the general conditions around someone or something. The main idea stays the same throughout: it is what surrounds a person, animal, plant, or thing, and what influences how it lives or develops.
Examples
- 1
Environmental protection
We need to protect the environment by using less plastic.
- 2
Harsh climate
The Arctic is a harsh environment for people who are not prepared.
- 3
Home life
Children do better in a stable home environment.
- 4
Learning
The school wants to create a better learning environment.
- 5
Workplace culture
Good managers create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions.
Pattern
create an environment where ...
make conditions in which this can happen
- 6
Working conditions
She works best in a quiet environment with few interruptions.
- 7
Economic conditions
Small businesses are facing a difficult economic environment this year.
- 8
Software testing
Test the app in a separate environment before you release it.
Domain
in tech, a separate environment
a different system used for testing
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- environmentnoun
Forms
- environmentspluralnoun