English Reference
Noun

ambiance

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈæmbiəns/ UK /ˈæmbiəns/ am·biance UK spelling ambience

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.


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.


Unadapted borrowing from French ambiance.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated