What does "atmospheric" mean?

1. (relating to the air) relating to the layer of air that surrounds the earth. 2. (creating a mood) creating a special or exciting feeling, often in a place or a piece of art. 3. (hazy or misty) looking slightly blurry or misty, like the air on a foggy day.

atmospheric

adj.

US //ˌætməsˈfɛɹɪk// UK //ˌætməsfˈɛɹɪk// at·mo·spher·ic

1 relating to the air (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

relating to the layer of air that surrounds the earth.

pertaining to, produced by, or existing within the atmosphere of a planet.

Example

Scientists are studying atmospheric changes to understand global warming better.

Example

The probe measured atmospheric pressure and chemical composition as it descended through the thick clouds of the gas giant.
- aerial
- climatic
2 creating a mood (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

creating a special or exciting feeling, often in a place or a piece of art.

evoking a particular aesthetic or emotional quality; creating a distinctive mood.

Example

The old restaurant was very atmospheric with its dim lights and soft music.

Example

The director used atmospheric lighting and a haunting soundtrack to build tension throughout the opening scene of the film.
- plain
- dull

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 hazy or misty (adj.)
C1 Advanced Literary

looking slightly blurry or misty, like the air on a foggy day.

having a hazy or translucent quality caused by the effects of the atmosphere on light.

Example

The mountains looked blue and atmospheric in the distance.

Example

The painter captured the atmospheric perspective of the valley, where the distant hills faded into a soft, pale violet.
- clear
- sharp

Origin

From atmospher(e) + -ic.