English Reference

Word

climate

Phoneticscli·mate, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɫaɪmət/

UK/klˈaɪmət/

Definitions

01weather patterns

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Science

n. the usual weather conditions in a specific area over a long period of time.

n. the long-term statistical summary of atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a specific region.

“The island has a tropical climate, so it stays warm and humid all year.”

“Agricultural experts are concerned that the shifting climate will lead to prolonged droughts in regions previously known for their fertile soil.”

Pitfall

The climate today is very rainy.

The weather today is very rainy.

Use 'weather' for daily changes and 'climate' for long-term patterns over years.

02general mood or situation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the general feeling, mood, or situation in a place or at a certain time.

n. the prevailing trend of public opinion or the general social, political, or economic atmosphere of a period.

“The current political climate makes it difficult for the two parties to agree.”

“In the current economic climate, many small businesses are hesitant to invest in new technology until market volatility decreases.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “climate” in context.

01. climate change 02. current climate 03. political climate

Real-World Examples

“Putting this month into the context of the year overall, it "fits with the general pattern that we're seeing of more frequent above average temperatures in the UK as our climate continues to change" according to Mike Kendon, Met Office climate scientist.”
BBC Weather 1 Oct 2026
“Climate is changing more rapidly in Europe than on any other continent and the damage is already stretching public finances, setting off wild swings in inflation, redrawing the tourism map, and forcing the bloc to rethink how power is produced and how goods are transported.”
Reuters 9 Aug 2026
“The Cop26 UN climate summit in Glasgow in 2021 represented a high-water mark in climate diplomacy, and in hope for global unity.”
The Guardian 29 May 2026
“The ‘Godzilla-level’ phenomenon is supercharging the climate crisis and will heavily impact communities across the world”
The Guardian 21 Sept 2026

Etymology

From Middle English climat, from Old French climat, from Latin clima, from Ancient Greek κλίμα (klíma, “latitude”, literally “inclination”).

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

Synonyms

Word family

NOUN

climate(A2)

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Idioms

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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