Atmospheric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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atmospheric

[หŒรฆt.mษ™sหˆfer.ษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

Relating to the atmosphere of the Earth. It describes conditions in the air such as temperature, humidity, and pressure.

Synonyms

climatic, meteorological, weather-related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atmospheric

Used to describe the surroundings or the environment in terms of the mood or feel, often related to weather or ambiance.

  • The atmospheric conditions made the evening perfect for a night out
  • The movie had a very atmospheric soundtrack
meteorological

Used in a scientific context to describe phenomena, studies, or measurements related to the weather and atmospheric conditions.

  • Meteorological data was collected to predict the incoming storm
  • The meteorological team is analyzing the patterns of precipitation
climatic

Used when discussing long-term weather patterns and trends over large regions or over extended periods.

  • The climatic changes over the past decade have been significant
  • Scientists are studying the climatic impact of global warming
weather-related

Used in everyday conversation to describe anything that directly pertains to or is caused by the weather.

  • We cancelled the picnic due to weather-related issues
  • The traffic delays were weather-related, caused by a heavy rainstorm

Examples of usage

  • The atmospheric conditions were perfect for a picnic.
  • The atmospheric pressure was dropping, signaling an approaching storm.
Context #2 | Adjective

mood

Creating a particular mood or feeling in an environment. It can refer to the emotional tone or atmosphere of a place or situation.

Synonyms

ambient, evocative, mood-setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atmospheric

Use this word when describing a place or setting that evokes a strong sense of mood or environment, usually in a compelling or suspenseful way.

  • The old castle had an atmospheric charm that drew tourists from around the world.
  • The film's atmospheric soundtrack heightened the tension of the scenes.
mood-setting

Use this word when describing something specifically intended to establish or influence the mood, often used in the context of events, performances, and settings.

  • The decor at the party was mood-setting, with dim lights and soft music creating a romantic atmosphere.
  • The director employed mood-setting techniques to make the horror film truly frightening.
evocative

Use this word when a description, smell, sound, or image strongly brings to mind feelings, memories, or associations.

  • The artist's paintings were evocative of the countryside and childhood memories.
  • The smell of the ocean was evocative of summer vacations at the beach.
ambient

Use this word when referring to the surrounding environment, particularly related to background music or sounds that help create a particular mood but are not obtrusive.

  • The coffee shop played ambient music that made it easy to work and relax.
  • The ambient lighting in the restaurant created a cozy dining experience.

Examples of usage

  • The movie had an atmospheric soundtrack that added to the suspense.
  • The old castle had a spooky and atmospheric vibe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Earth's atmosphere is made up of layers like the troposphere, where weather occurs, and the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is located.
  • The atmospheric pressure decreases as you go higher in altitude, which is why climbing mountains can be hard!
  • Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere affect climate and temperature, showing how our air impacts the planet's health.

Art and Literature

  • Many authors create an 'atmospheric' setting to shape the mood of their stories, like a dark, misty forest that feels mysterious.
  • In film, atmospheric elements such as lighting and sound help build suspense or romance, influencing how we feel while watching.
  • Artists often use color and composition to create atmosphere in their paintings, evoking specific emotions or perspectives.

Pop Culture

  • Music genres like ambient or atmospheric music focus on creating a mood rather than traditional song structures.
  • Certain movies, especially in the horror genre, use atmospheric effects like fog or eerie music to enhance feelings of suspense.
  • In video games, atmospheric graphics and sounds can immerse players in a world, making the experience more engaging.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that 'atmospheric' factors like lighting and temperature in a room can influence emotions and behavior.
  • The concept of 'atmosphere' in social situations can affect how comfortable people feel, impacting their interactions.
  • Creating a positive atmospheric environment in educational settings can enhance learning and engagement.

Origin of 'atmospheric'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'atmos,' meaning steam or vapor, and 'sphaira,' meaning sphere.
  • It was first used in the late 18th century, connected to studying the physics and chemistry of air.
  • In scientific terms, it helps describe different layers in Earth's climate system.

The word 'atmospheric' originated in the early 18th century, derived from the Latin word 'atmosphaera' and the Greek word 'atmos' meaning 'vapour' and 'sphaira' meaning 'sphere'. It initially referred to the air or gases surrounding the Earth, later evolving to describe the mood or feeling in a particular environment.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,924, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.