prirode

Prirode is a term used in several South Slavic languages to denote the natural world, or nature. It is a declensional form of priroda, the common noun for nature, and appears in phrases describing landscapes, ecosystems, and natural processes. In everyday speech, prirode can refer to both the physical environment and the natural properties of living beings and objects shaped by natural forces.

Linguistic note: In Serbo-Croatian grammars, prirode functions as a case form of priroda; outside of grammar, many speakers use priroda to mean nature in a general sense. The form prirode is also encountered in literary and journalistic contexts as a noun referring to nature.

Scientific perspectives: The natural sciences study natural phenomena—biological diversity, geology, weather, chemistry, and physics—often emphasizing the systems and processes that operate without human intention. Nature is sometimes presented as a backdrop for human activity, but contemporary science stresses the interdependence of natural and social systems.

Cultural and environmental aspects: Nature features prominently in art, folklore, and ethics. Conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development are modern responses to threats to natural environments, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.