# atmospheric

/ˌætməsˈfɛɹɪk/ (US) · /ˌætməsfˈɛɹɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atmospheric
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. relating to the air

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the layer of air that surrounds the earth.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. creating a mood

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. hazy or misty

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The old castle has a very atmospheric dining hall.
- The director used dim lighting and soft music to create an atmospheric setting for the film's opening scene.
- While the probe measured atmospheric pressure on the planet's surface, the scientists back on Earth marveled at the atmospheric, haunting images of the crimson horizon.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.