atmosphere
gb/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ/ us/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Gases surrounding a planet
The air or gases around the Earth or another planet.
Usage pattern:
the atmosphere of [a planet]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'atmosphere' with 'stratosphere', which is only one layer of the atmosphere.
Synonyms
air (General term for the gases around us, but less specific than 'atmosphere'.)
Antonyms
vacuum (An empty space without matter or air.)
Collocations
Earth's atmosphere
|thick atmosphere
|thin atmosphere
|atmosphere composition
|atmosphere pressure
Themes
science
|environment
|nature
Examples
- Scientists study changes in the Earth's atmosphere to understand climate change.
- Mars has a very thin atmosphere compared to Earth.
- The atmosphere protects living things from harmful radiation.
Learner examples
- The Earth has an atmosphere.
- The Moon has no atmosphere.
- We need the atmosphere to live.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Mood or feeling of a place
The feeling you get in a place or situation.
Usage pattern:
the atmosphere in [a place]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'atmosphere' with 'weather', but 'atmosphere' here means mood, not climate.
Synonyms
ambience ('Ambience' is often used for pleasant or artistic environments, especially in restaurants or events.)
Antonyms
emptiness (A lack of emotional or sensory quality in a place.)
Collocations
relaxed atmosphere
|tense atmosphere
|warm atmosphere
|create an atmosphere
|atmosphere of excitement
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There was a tense atmosphere in the room after the argument.
- The restaurant had a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Music can change the atmosphere of an event.
Learner examples
- The cafe has a nice atmosphere.
- The meeting had a tense atmosphere.
- The party had a happy atmosphere.
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
3
Unit of pressure measurement
A scientific measure of pressure, about the same as air pressure at sea level.
Synonyms
atm (Abbreviation commonly used in scientific contexts.)
Collocations
one atmosphere
|pressure in atmospheres
Themes
science
Examples
- The pressure inside the chamber was two atmospheres.
- One atmosphere is the standard air pressure at sea level.
- Scuba divers must consider changes in atmospheres when diving deep.
Learner examples
- Sea level air pressure is one atmosphere.
- The tank has two atmospheres of pressure.
- We measure pressure in atmospheres.
Grammar
Dictionary form
atmosphere
IPA
GB/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ/
US/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ/
Syllables & stress
at - mo - sphere (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (at)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: atmosphere
- Plural: atmospheres
Word family
Forms
atmospheres
noun
Core family
atmospheric
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
atmospherically
adverb
Expressions
atmosphere of trust
1/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ əv tɹˈʌst/
fixed phrase
Feeling of confidence between people
A feeling that people can believe and rely on each other.
Examples
- The manager encouraged an atmosphere of trust in the team.
- An atmosphere of trust helps people work better together.
atmosphere of uncertainty
1/ˈætməsfˌɪɹ əv ʌnsˈɚtənti/
fixed phrase
Feeling of doubt in situation
A feeling that things are not sure or clear.
Examples
- An atmosphere of uncertainty surrounded the negotiations.
- There was an atmosphere of uncertainty after the sudden announcement.
create an atmosphere
1/kɹiˈeɪt ən ˈætməsfˌɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Make a certain mood happen
To make people feel a certain way in a place or situation.
Examples
- Candles and music helped create an atmosphere of romance.
- The host worked hard to create an atmosphere of excitement at the event.