atmosphere

atmosphere — noun

1. the layer of air and other gases that wraps around our planet and lets living th

1.名詞B1
釋義

the layer of air and other gases that wraps around our planet and lets living things breathe.

例句

Carbon dioxide from cars and factories is heating up the atmosphere.

definite article: 'the atmosphere' for Earth

The space capsule started to glow as it re-entered the atmosphere over the Pacific.

collocation: enter / re-enter the atmosphere

同義詞
  • air

    everyday word; 'air' is what you breathe, 'atmosphere' is the whole gas layer

  • sky

    what you see above; less scientific than 'atmosphere'

文法句型

the atmosphere

用法筆記

Almost always takes the definite article ('the atmosphere') when referring to Earth specifically. Distinguish from sense 2, which covers the gas layer around any planet.

常見錯誤

❌A rocket flew through atmosphere.
✅A rocket flew through the atmosphere.
💡when meaning Earth's gas layer, the article 'the' is required.

2. the gases held by gravity around a planet, moon, or star other than Earth.

2.名詞B2
釋義

the gases held by gravity around a planet, moon, or star other than Earth.

例句

The atmosphere of Venus is so thick that sunlight rarely reaches its surface.

pattern: the atmosphere of [planet]

Mars has a thin atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide.

collocation: thin / thick atmosphere

同義詞
  • air

    loose synonym; scientists prefer 'atmosphere' for non-Earth bodies

文法句型

the atmosphere of [planet]

用法筆記

This is the only sense that is regularly countable and pluralised ('atmospheres'). Distinguish from sense 1: 'the atmosphere' alone usually means Earth's; for other bodies, name the planet ('the atmosphere of Mars').

3. the air filling a particular room, building, or area, especially when you notice

3.名詞B2
釋義

the air filling a particular room, building, or area, especially when you notice how it smells or feels.

例句

The atmosphere in the kitchen was thick with smoke from the burnt toast.

pattern: atmosphere + adjective describing what is in the air

Open a window — the atmosphere in here is really stuffy.

同義詞
  • air

    more everyday; 'air' is interchangeable here

文法句型

the atmosphere in/of [place]

用法筆記

Refers to the physical air you can smell or feel, not the mood (sense 4). Often modified by adjectives describing temperature, smell, or moisture (smoky, damp, stuffy, hot).

常見錯誤

❌The atmosphere of the party tasted like smoke.' (wrong sense — 'the party' suggests mood)
✅The atmosphere in the room tasted like smoke.
💡for physical air, name a place (room, kitchen), not an event.

4. the general feeling that a place, group, or event gives you — for example, a caf

4.名詞B1
釋義

the general feeling that a place, group, or event gives you — for example, a café might have a relaxed atmosphere, while a courtroom feels tense.

例句

The little bookshop has a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes people stay for hours.

pattern: adjective + atmosphere

There was a tense atmosphere at the meeting after the manager raised her voice.

collocation: tense / relaxed / friendly atmosphere

同義詞
  • mood

    interchangeable; 'mood' more often describes people's feelings, 'atmosphere' the place

  • feeling

    vaguer; less common in 'a tense feeling at the meeting'

  • vibe

    informal; same idea but casual register

文法句型

a/an + adjective + atmosphere

用法筆記

Very often follows an adjective of feeling (tense, relaxed, friendly, hostile). Distinguish from sense 5, which specifically describes a pleasant, exciting place; sense 4 covers any mood, good or bad.

常見錯誤

❌The party had a atmosphere.
✅The party had a great atmosphere.
💡this sense almost always needs an adjective; bare 'an atmosphere' sounds incomplete.

5. a special charm or character that makes a place feel exciting, romantic, or inte

5.名詞B2
釋義

a special charm or character that makes a place feel exciting, romantic, or interesting — the kind of feeling that draws visitors in.

例句

The narrow streets of old Lisbon are full of atmosphere in the evening.

uncountable: 'full of atmosphere' (no article)

The candlelit restaurant has real atmosphere — couples come back every anniversary.

collocation: have / has atmosphere

同義詞
  • ambience

    very close synonym; slightly more formal

  • character

    broader; 'character' is any personality, 'atmosphere' the felt charm

  • charm

    focuses on attractiveness; 'atmosphere' adds a sensory feel

文法句型

have/has atmosphere

with atmosphere

用法筆記

Uncountable in this sense — no article and no plural. Often appears in 'full of / has / lacks atmosphere'. Distinguish from sense 4: sense 4 needs an adjective ('a tense atmosphere'); this sense uses 'atmosphere' alone to mean 'attractive character'.

常見錯誤

❌The cafe has an atmosphere.' (sounds unfinished)
✅The cafe has real atmosphere.' OR 'The cafe has a cosy atmosphere.
💡bare 'an atmosphere' rarely works; use sense 5 with no article, or sense 4 with an adjective.