climate
KLEYE-miht
Climate (noun) means the typical weather patterns of a region, measured over a long period of time. Example: “Plants from a cooler climate often struggle to survive in the tropics.”
noun
1
The typical weather patterns of a region, measured over a long period of time.
"Plants from a cooler climate often struggle to survive in the tropics."
"The region has a dry, Mediterranean climate."
"Scientists study how climate is changing over decades."
2
The general mood, atmosphere, or set of conditions surrounding a situation.
"The company has created a friendly climate where staff feel able to share ideas."
"Investors are nervous in the current economic climate, so few new shops are opening."
"The current political climate makes reform difficult."
How to use climate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLong-term weather patterns of a place, or more broadly, the general mood or conditions surrounding a situation.
Common mistake
Climate and weather aren't the same — weather is short-term (today's rain), climate is the long-term pattern (a rainy region).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
political climate
climate change
tropical climate
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Word forms
- Plural
- climates
- Third person singular
- climates
- Past tense
- climated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Plants from a cooler _____ often struggle to survive in the tropics.
Etymology
From Greek klima, "inclination, latitude" — ancient geographers divided the earth into zones ("climates") based on the angle of the sun.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for climate
See all rhymes for climate →Frequently asked questions
What does “climate” mean?
The word “climate” means the typical weather patterns of a region, measured over a long period of time. In plain terms, long-term weather patterns of a place, or more broadly, the general mood or conditions surrounding a situation.
How do you pronounce “climate”?
“Climate” is pronounced KLEYE-miht (/ˈklaɪ.mɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “climate” in a sentence?
Here is “climate” used in a sentence: “The region has a dry, Mediterranean climate.”
What part of speech is “climate”?
“Climate” is a noun.
Where does the word “climate” come from?
The word “climate” comes from Greek. From Greek klima, "inclination, latitude" — ancient geographers divided the earth into zones ("climates") based on the angle of the sun.
Is “climate” a common word?
“Climate” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “climate” have?
“Climate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the typical weather patterns of a region, measured over a long period of time.
What is the difference between climate and weather?
Weather is the short-term, day-to-day state of the atmosphere — today's rain, wind, or sunshine. Climate is the average of that weather over a long period, typically thirty years or more, for a whole region. Weather is what you get on a given day; climate is what you expect over time.
What are the types of climate?
Geographers commonly group climates into a few broad zones: tropical, dry or arid, temperate, continental, and polar. These are shaped by factors such as latitude, altitude, and distance from the sea. Within them sit familiar sub-types like the Mediterranean, desert, and monsoon climates, each with its own typical pattern.
What is an example of a climate?
A Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters, is one example. Others include the humid tropical climate of rainforests, the freezing polar climate of the Arctic, and the arid climate of deserts. Each name describes the long-run weather pattern typical of that region, not a single day.
Does 'climate' only refer to weather?
No. Beyond weather, climate is used figuratively for the general mood or conditions surrounding something — the political climate, the economic climate, or the current climate of opinion. In this sense it means the prevailing atmosphere or feeling of a time or place, drawn from the original weather meaning.
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