Atmosphere
/ˈætməsfɪr/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet.
/ˈætməsfɪr/
The gaseous envelope surrounding a celestial body.
The atmosphere is clear today.
💡 Simply: The air around the Earth or a planet.
More Examples
The upper atmosphere contains the ozone layer.
How It's Used
"The Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful solar radiation."
"The atmospheric pressure is dropping, indicating an approaching storm."
The prevailing mood or feeling of a place or situation.
/ˈætməsfɪr/
The pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art.
The meeting had a tense atmosphere.
💡 Simply: The overall feeling of a place or situation.
More Examples
The play created a suspenseful atmosphere.
How It's Used
"The restaurant had a romantic atmosphere."
"The painting evokes a sense of mystery and atmosphere."
From Middle French atmosphère, from Late Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos (ἀτμός) 'vapor' + sphaira (σφαῖρα) 'sphere'.
Historically, the word's primary meaning was scientific, relating to the gases surrounding the Earth. Its figurative use to describe mood and feeling developed later.
Memory tip
Think 'atmo' for air and 'sphere' for a round shape.