atmospheric
at-muhs-FEH-rihk
Atmospheric (adjective) means relating to or coming from the atmosphere. Example: “Scientists use balloons to measure atmospheric conditions high above the ground.”
adjective
1
Relating to or coming from the atmosphere.
"Scientists use balloons to measure atmospheric conditions high above the ground."
"Atmospheric pollution can drift across borders and affect the air in distant towns."
"Atmospheric pressure drops as you climb higher."
2
Creating a strong, evocative mood, especially in art, music, or film.
"The old café had a wonderfully atmospheric feel, with candles and soft jazz playing."
"Her atmospheric paintings of misty harbours make viewers feel they are standing there."
"The film's atmospheric soundtrack added to the sense of dread."
How to use atmospheric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to the air around us, or (more often in everyday use) full of mood and atmosphere.
Common pairings
atmospheric pressure
atmospheric lighting
atmospheric conditions
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more atmospheric
- Superlative
- most atmospheric
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Scientists use balloons to measure _____ conditions high above the ground.
Etymology
From atmosphere + -ic.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for atmospheric
See all rhymes for atmospheric →Frequently asked questions
What does “atmospheric” mean?
The word “atmospheric” means relating to or coming from the atmosphere. In plain terms, relating to the air around us, or (more often in everyday use) full of mood and atmosphere.
How do you pronounce “atmospheric”?
“Atmospheric” is pronounced at-muhs-FEH-rihk (/ˌætməsˈfɛɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “atmospheric” in a sentence?
Here is “atmospheric” used in a sentence: “Atmospheric pressure drops as you climb higher.”
What part of speech is “atmospheric”?
“Atmospheric” is an adjective.
Is “atmospheric” a common word?
“Atmospheric” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “atmospheric” have?
“Atmospheric” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or coming from the atmosphere.
What does atmospheric mean when describing music or film?
When describing art, music, or film, atmospheric means the work creates a strong, evocative mood, drawing the audience into a particular feeling or setting. This is a figurative use distinct from the word's literal meaning relating to the atmosphere.
What is the difference between atmospheric and ambient?
Atmospheric describes something that creates a strong, evocative mood, often through detail, sound, or visual style, while ambient more specifically refers to background sound or surroundings that create a subtle, enveloping quality. Atmospheric is broader and can apply to writing, film, or design, whereas ambient is most often used for sound or environment.
Can atmospheric describe weather-related phenomena?
Yes, in its literal sense atmospheric relates to or comes from the atmosphere, so it is used in scientific contexts like atmospheric pressure or atmospheric conditions, separate from its figurative use describing mood in art.
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