the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which somebody or something is surrounded
the natural surroundings and other of or the complex of external factors that acts upon an organism, an ecological community, or plant and animal life in general
The environment is what surrounds us – often divided into the ‘built’ and the ‘natural’ environment. As human impact on the natural environment has grown through increased population growth and economic activity, we have become more aware of the need for its protection and conservation. This has given rise to a new politics of ‘environmentalism’ – Professor Andrew Dobson
environmental /-ʹmentl/ adj
environmentally /-ʹment(ə)li/ adv