Word
sphere
US/ˈsfɪɹ/
UK/sfˈiə/
Definitions
01a round object
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Mathematics
n. a solid object that is perfectly round, like a ball.
n. a three-dimensional object or surface where all points are equidistant from a central point.
日本語:球※
“The artist placed a large marble sphere in the center of the garden.”
“The physicist calculated the volume of the sphere to determine how much liquid the container could hold under pressure.”
02area of activity
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a particular area of interest, work, or influence.
n. a metaphorical domain or field of activity, interest, or social standing.
日本語:分野※
“The two countries agreed to respect each other's sphere of influence.”
“In the political sphere, the senator was known for her ability to build consensus among opposing factions.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'sphere of influence' or 'public/private sphere'.
03the heavens
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Astronomy Archaic · Literary
n. the sky or space, imagined as a giant globe surrounding the Earth.
n. the celestial shell or heavens, historically conceived as a series of concentric globes carrying the planets.
“Ancient astronomers believed the stars were fixed to a crystal sphere.”
“The poet wrote of the music of the spheres, imagining the harmonious sounds created by the movement of the planets.”
Teaching tip
This sense is largely restricted to historical or literary contexts discussing pre-modern science.
Synonyms
04to make round
C2 · Proficiency Literary
v. to make something into the shape of a ball.
v. to form into a round shape or to place within a spherical environment.
“The water droplets began to sphere as they fell through the air.”
“The sculptor worked the clay until he managed to sphere the mass into a perfectly balanced form.”
Usage
This verb use is rare in modern English; 'shape into a sphere' is more common.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sphere” in context.
Verb
01. dominate the sphere
“A few multinational corporations continue to dominate the digital sphere.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. domestic sphere
“In the 19th century, women were often confined to the domestic sphere while men operated in public life.”
adj + noun
03. influential sphere
“She moved within an influential sphere of artists and intellectuals who shaped modern culture.”
adj + noun
04. political sphere
“The scandal had a profound impact on the political sphere, leading to several high-profile resignations.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. sphere of activity
“The charity is looking to broaden its sphere of activity to include environmental conservation projects.”
noun + of + noun
06. sphere of influence
“The empire expanded its sphere of influence across several neighboring continents through trade and diplomacy.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. outside the sphere
“Such technical details fall outside the sphere of this introductory course.”
prep + noun
08. within the sphere
“Everything within the sphere of his authority was managed with meticulous attention to detail.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“One company, VivoSphere, is growing heart cells in tiny gel spheres for heart safety tests.” “The goal of Japan’s Islam policy, or “Kaikyō Seisaku,” was to build Japan’s sphere of influence across Asia.” “Sixteen days later, the Soviets invaded from the east, following through on the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact , an agreement between the two world powers to split Eastern Europe into neighboring spheres of influence.” Etymology
From Middle English spere, from Old French sphere, from Late Latin sphēra, earlier Latin sphaera (“ball, globe, celestial sphere”), from Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “ball, globe”), of unknown origin. Not related to superficially similar Persian سپهر (sepehr, “sky”) .
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sphere
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0