Climate
/ˈklaɪmət/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe long-term average weather conditions of a place or region.
/ˈklaɪmət/
The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing olives.
💡 Simply: Climate is like the usual weather of a place. If it's usually sunny and warm, it has a warm climate. If it's usually cold and snowy, it has a cold climate.
👶 For kids: The kind of weather a place usually has.
More Examples
Climate change is a serious threat to the planet.
How It's Used
"The Earth's climate is changing rapidly."
"The tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity."
The general feeling or atmosphere of a particular time or place.
/ˈklaɪmət/
The prevailing social, political, or intellectual environment.
The school has a positive and supportive climate.
💡 Simply: Climate can also describe the feeling of a place or situation. A 'friendly climate' means people are nice and welcoming. A 'tense climate' means people are stressed and worried.
👶 For kids: How things feel in a place or time.
More Examples
There's a climate of fear in the city after the recent crime spree.
How It's Used
"The political climate is tense before the election."
"The economic climate is uncertain."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
change the climate
To alter the prevailing atmosphere or mood.
"The new CEO changed the climate in the company."
From Middle English climat, from Old French climat, from Late Latin climat-, climata, from Greek klima ‘inclination, region,’ from klinein ‘to incline.’
Historically, 'climate' was primarily used in its meteorological sense, but its broader application to social and political contexts developed later.
Memory tip
Think 'clime' - a pleasant climate is a pleasant clime.
Word Origin
"inclination, region"