Against nature
phrase
In contradiction with the natural world or natural law.
These genetically modified crops are seen as against nature by some environmental campaigners.
Often appears as...
- act against nature
- crime against nature
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
In conflict or disagreement with someone's inherent or innate nature.
Forcing him to lie is against nature – he’s the most honest person I know.
Often appears as...
- it's against his/her nature
- go against nature
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Unnatural, abnormal, or not as expected in the natural scheme of things.
Genetic mutations are against nature, but they can lead to evolution and species diversity.
Often appears as...
- mutation against nature
- deviation against nature
Usage tips
Neutral
Academic
phrase
In contradiction with the natural world or natural law.
These genetically modified crops are seen as against nature by some environmental campaigners.
Often appears as...
- act against nature
- crime against nature
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
In conflict or disagreement with someone's inherent or innate nature.
Forcing him to lie is against nature – he’s the most honest person I know.
Often appears as...
- it's against his/her nature
- go against nature
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Unnatural, abnormal, or not as expected in the natural scheme of things.
Genetic mutations are against nature, but they can lead to evolution and species diversity.
Often appears as...
- mutation against nature
- deviation against nature
Usage tips
Neutral
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Ethical Stance
Often used to express disapproval in ethical debates about science, like cloning.
Cloning animals is against nature, it raises many ethical questions.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Charge
Can carry a strong emotional weight, implying that something is not just unusual, but wrong.
They said building a dam in the wildlife reserve was against nature.
Pro Tip 3/3Environmental Concern
Common in discussions about human impact on the environment or ecosystems.
Pouring waste into the ocean is an act that's against nature.
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