Word
ambiance
Phoneticsam·biance
US/ˈæmbiəns/
UK/ˈæmbiəns/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the mood or atmosphere of a place, especially when it feels pleasant or special. You create it through things like lighting, music, and design.
n. the atmosphere or distinctive character of a place, conveyed through environmental qualities such as lighting, sound, and décor.
Examples
“The café has a warm, welcoming ambiance.”
“Soft jazz and candlelight created an intimate ambiance that made the small restaurant feel special.”
“Architects designed the library to foster a contemplative ambiance, using natural light and acoustic panels to minimise the urban clamour beyond its walls.”
Examples
simple
“The café has a warm, welcoming ambiance.”
contextual
“Soft jazz and candlelight created an intimate ambiance that made the small restaurant feel special.”
complex
“Architects designed the library to foster a contemplative ambiance, using natural light and acoustic panels to minimise the urban clamour beyond its walls.”
Usage
Often modified by adjectives such as 'romantic', 'intimate', or 'relaxed'; typically followed by 'of' when specifying the location.
Real-World Examples
“I turn the bed down, then before I leave the room for the gig, I close the curtains and check all the lights to get the correct ambience.” Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from French ambiance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ambiance