What does environmental mean?
Environmental is an adjective used to describe anything connected with the natural world or with the conditions that surround a person, organism, or system. Its most familiar use today concerns ecological matters: phrases like environmental protection, environmental damage, and environmental impact appear constantly in news reporting, science, and politics. A second sense is broader, covering the physical, social, or cultural setting in which something exists, as in environmental factors influencing health or behaviour. The word derives from 'environment', which traces back through French to the idea of that which surrounds us. Because it can describe both concrete phenomena (pollution, habitats, climate) and abstract influences (upbringing, social context), it serves as a flexible term across disciplines from biology to psychology to public policy. Its prominence grew markedly in the latter half of the twentieth century as concern about conservation and climate became mainstream.
Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition.
"Stricter environmental laws were introduced after the oil spill."
This is by far the most common sense in contemporary usage.
Relating to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
"Genetic and environmental factors both influence height."
The word 'environment' comes from the Old French 'environner', meaning 'to surround' — so every time you talk about the environment, you're literally talking about what surrounds you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of environmental
Environmental derives from environment, which entered English from French in the early 17th century. The French verb environner means 'to surround', formed from environ ('around'), ultimately from the Old French prefix en- plus viron ('a circle'), related to virer ('to turn'). The adjective environmental emerged later, with its ecological sense becoming widespread in the 20th century. Cognate forms include the verb environ and the noun environs.
Related word forms
How environmental is actually used
The dominant modern sense relates to ecology and conservation; this meaning rose sharply in prominence during the late 20th century alongside growing awareness of pollution and climate change. The adjective is largely neutral in tone but frequently appears in political and scientific discourse, where it can carry implicit connotations of concern for nature.
Easily confused with environmental
'Environment' is a noun referring to the surroundings themselves, while 'environmental' is an adjective describing something that relates to those surroundings.