Word
atmospheric
Phoneticsat·mo·spher·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌætməsˈfɛɹɪk/
UK/ˌætməsfˈɛɹɪk/
Definitions
01relating to the air
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. relating to the layer of air that surrounds the earth.
adj. pertaining to, produced by, or existing within the atmosphere of a planet.
“Scientists are studying atmospheric changes to understand global warming better.”
“The probe measured atmospheric pressure and chemical composition as it descended through the thick clouds of the gas giant.”
02creating a mood
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. creating a special or exciting feeling, often in a place or a piece of art.
adj. evoking a particular aesthetic or emotional quality; creating a distinctive mood.
“The old restaurant was very atmospheric with its dim lights and soft music.”
“The director used atmospheric lighting and a haunting soundtrack to build tension throughout the opening scene of the film.”
03hazy or misty
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. looking slightly blurry or misty, like the air on a foggy day.
adj. having a hazy or translucent quality caused by the effects of the atmosphere on light.
“The mountains looked blue and atmospheric in the distance.”
“The painter captured the atmospheric perspective of the valley, where the distant hills faded into a soft, pale violet.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “atmospheric” in context.
Real-World Examples
“But water vapor can amplify the atmospheric warming caused by other greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, a fact the statement omits.” “When was the last time you enjoyed an atmospheric single-player FPS with intelligent computer-controlled enemies?” Etymology
From atmospher(e) + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/atmospheric