MEANING
The prevailing emotional or social tone experienced in a place or gathering.
Use it for
Collective mood; changing social conditions; emotional framing of placeLet shared expectations alter how the same physical space feels.
Words that belong together
- tense atmosphere
- festive atmosphere
- formal atmosphere
On the page
The atmosphere in the hall changed when the results were delayed.
A festive atmosphere survived despite the organizers' mistakes.
The office had an atmosphere of caution: even harmless questions received careful answers.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- atmosphere
Usage notes
Primary category: setting. Selected felt-tone sense, not the gaseous envelope around a planet. Can include anticipation, friendliness, tension, or formality; name supporting cues rather than relying on the label alone. Usually singular or uncountable for prevailing tone; plural atmospheres for distinct settings or moods.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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