/ 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
••
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