ENVIRONMENT


Meaning of ENVIRONMENT in English

/ ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt; NAmE / noun

1.

[ C , U ] the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth; the physical conditions that sb/sth exists in :

a pleasant working / learning environment

An unhappy home environment can affect a child's behaviour.

They have created an environment in which productivity should flourish.

the political environment

tests carried out in a controlled environment

2.

the environment [ sing. ] the natural world in which people, animals and plants live :

the Department of the Environment

measures to protect the environment

pollution of the environment

damage to the environment

3.

[ C ] ( computing ) the complete structure within which a user, computer or program operates :

a desktop development environment

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SYNONYMS

environment

setting ♦ surroundings ♦ background ♦ backdrop ♦ situation

These are all words for the type of place in which sb/sth exists or is situated.

environment

the conditions in a place that affect the behaviour and development of sb / sth:

An unhappy home environment can affect children's behaviour.

a pleasant working environment

setting

a place or situation or a particular type, in which sth happens or exists:

The island provided an idyllic setting for the concert.

surroundings

everything that is around or near sb / sth:

The huts blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

background

the things or area that are / is behind or around the main objects or people that are in a place or picture:

The mountains in the background were capped with snow.

backdrop

( formal ) the scenery surrounding an event; the things or area behind the main objects in a place:

The events took place against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlas mountains.

situation

( rather formal ) the type of area or surroundings that a town or building has:

The town is in a beautiful situation in a wide green valley.

PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :

in (a / an) environment / setting / surroundings / situation

against a/the background / backdrop (of sth)

a (good, etc.) environment / setting / situation for sth

(a / an) new / unfamiliar environment / setting / surroundings

sb / sth's immediate environment / setting / surroundings

(a) dramatic setting / surroundings / background / backdrop

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.