How Do You Spell ATMOSPHERE?

Pronunciation: [ˈatməsfˌi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "atmosphere" is spelled with the letter "s" instead of the more intuitive "r" because it comes from the Greek word "atmos," which means "vapor" or "steam." In Greek, the "s" sound was used instead of "r" in the middle of words. The IPA phonetic transcription for "atmosphere" is /ˈæt.mə.sfɪr/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, which is essential for sustaining life on our planet.

ATMOSPHERE Meaning and Definition

  1. Atmosphere is a noun that refers to the enveloping air surrounding the Earth or any other celestial body. It is composed of a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (around 78%), oxygen (approximately 21%), and traces of other elements and compounds, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and various pollutants. The atmosphere is essential for life on Earth as it provides the necessary oxygen for respiration and protects the planet from harmful solar radiation.

    In a broader sense, atmosphere can also describe the general ambiance or mood of a place or environment. In this context, it refers to the predominant emotional or psychological quality that characterizes a situation, event, or setting. For instance, one might describe a party as having a lively and festive atmosphere, or a tense and uneasy atmosphere in a conflict zone.

    Furthermore, atmosphere can also indicate the prevailing tone or feeling in a creative work, such as literature, music, or art. For example, a novel may have a dark and eerie atmosphere, while a piece of music can evoke a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

    Overall, whether discussing the Earth's atmospheric layer vital for life, the collective mood of a particular place, or the emotional tone in a creative work, the term "atmosphere" denotes the surrounding air, environment, or prevailing mood that greatly influences our experiences and perceptions.

  2. 1. The air. 2. Any gas surrounding a given body; a gaseous medium.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. The whole mass of air, clouds, and vapour surrounding the earth.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ATMOSPHERE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ATMOSPHERE

Etymology of ATMOSPHERE

The word "atmosphere" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It can be broken down into two parts: "atmo-" and "-sphere".

The prefix "atmo-" is derived from the Greek word "atmos", meaning "vapor" or "steam". The word "atmos" is related to the Greek verb "atminein", which means "to thicken" or "to crowd together".

The suffix "-sphere" comes from the Greek word "sphaira", meaning "ball" or "globe". The word "sphaira" also refers to a celestial globe or sphere.

Therefore, when combined, "atmos-" and "-sphere" form the word "atmosphere", which originally referred to the gaseous envelope that surrounds the Earth.

Idioms with the word ATMOSPHERE

  • clear the atmosphere The idiom "clear the atmosphere" means to remove or alleviate tension, conflict, or bad feelings in a situation, usually through conversation, clarification, or resolution of issues. It refers to creating a more positive, relaxed, and harmonious environment.
  • an atmosphere that you could cut with a knife The idiom "an atmosphere that you could cut with a knife" is used to describe an intense and tense situation or environment that is filled with strong emotions such as anger, hostility, or anticipation, to the point where it feels almost tangible and heavy. It implies that the atmosphere is so thick that it could be sliced, indicating the intensity and palpability of the emotions present.
  • you could cut the atmosphere with a knife The idiom "you could cut the atmosphere with a knife" is used to describe a tense or heavy atmosphere in a room or situation. It implies that the atmosphere is so thick and palpable that it feels as if one could physically cut it with a knife, emphasizing the intense or uncomfortable silence and tension present.
  • a heavy silence/atmosphere A heavy silence/atmosphere refers to a situation or environment in which there is a feeling of tension or unease, often characterized by a lack of conversation or noise. This can indicate a sense of discomfort, awkwardness, or seriousness in the atmosphere.

Similar spelling words for ATMOSPHERE

Plural form of ATMOSPHERE is ATMOSPHERES

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