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What is the Meaning of “Environmental”?

Environmental
/ˌenvɪrənˈmɛntəl/
adjective B1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words) formal

Connected to nature, weather, animals, and the planet's health.

Definition of Environmental

Quick Meaning of Environmental

Connected to nature, weather, animals, and the planet's health.

Detailed Definition of Environmental

Relating to or caused by the natural world and ecology.

How to Pronounce Environmental

IPA: /ˌenvɪrənˈmɛntəl/
en vi ron men tal

Stress pattern: ooOoo (5-syllable word).

Tip: Stress falls on the third syllable: en-vi-RON-men-tal. The final 'al' is unstressed.

Watch out: Often mispronounced with stress on the second syllable (en-VI-ronmental); primary stress belongs on the third.

Full pronunciation guide for “environmental” →

Origin and Etymology of Environmental

From environ (surround) + mental; 19th century coinage.

How to Use Environmental in a Sentence

Each example shows “environmental” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Environmental protection requires reducing plastic waste worldwide.”
    B1 formal
  • “The company's environmental policies improved air quality in the region.”
    B2 academic
  • “Climate change is an environmental crisis affecting all continents.”
    B1 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Environmental

Common Synonyms for Environmental

Smart Synonyms for Environmental — When to Use Each

ecological
when focusing on organisms and their relationships
natural
for the broader living and physical world
atmospheric
specifically for air and weather-related impacts

See all synonyms for “environmental” →

Common Collocations with Environmental

These phrases pair with “environmental” in everyday English:

  • environmental impact
  • environmental policy
  • environmental protection
  • environmental damage
  • environmental crisis

Common Mistakes When Using Environmental

Even fluent speakers slip up with “environmental”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: The company made environmental improvements.
✓ Correct: The company made environmental improvements to reduce emissions.
Why: Complete the thought with specific action; 'improvements' alone is vague.
✗ Wrong: Environmental issues are important for many years.
✓ Correct: Environmental issues have been important for many years.
Why: Use present perfect (have been) for situations continuing from past to present.

Other Forms of Environmental

Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental

What is the meaning of "Environmental"?

Connected to nature, weather, animals, and the planet's health.

How do you pronounce "Environmental"?

The IPA is /ˌenvɪrənˈmɛntəl/. Stress falls on the third syllable: en-vi-RON-men-tal. The final 'al' is unstressed.

What part of speech is "Environmental"?

"Environmental" is an adjective at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Environmental"?

Common synonyms include ecological, natural, planetary.

How do you use "Environmental" in a sentence?

For example: "Environmental protection requires reducing plastic waste worldwide."

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