climate
climate — noun
1. the pattern of weather — such as temperature, rainfall, and wind — that a place
the pattern of weather — such as temperature, rainfall, and wind — that a place typically experiences across many years
The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
countable: a/the + [adjective] + climate for describing a region
Farmers in this region worry about how the changing climate will affect their crops.
Leila moved from northern Japan because she preferred the warmer climate of the south.
Scientists study ice cores to learn about the Earth's climate thousands of years ago.
The city's dry climate means residents hardly ever need umbrellas.
- weather
refers to short-term conditions rather than long-term patterns (the weather today vs. the climate of a region)
- conditions
broader term that can include non-meteorological factors; less specific than climate
- environment
includes physical surroundings beyond just weather (land, sea, air together)
用法筆記
Can be used with either an article (a climate, the climate) or without (climate change, climate science). The countable form describes one specific region's weather pattern.
常見錯誤
2. the set of attitudes, feelings, or opinions shared by people in a specific setti
the set of attitudes, feelings, or opinions shared by people in a specific setting or era — for example, a tense atmosphere at work or a fearful mood in a community
After the merger, the climate at the company became tense and competitive.
the climate at [place] + adjective describing mood
The political climate in the country shifted dramatically after the election.
Parents and teachers want to create a positive learning climate in every school.
Dr. Okafor said the economic climate makes it hard for small firms to get loans.
A climate of fear spread through the neighbourhood after the burglaries.
- atmosphere
more immediate and emotional; climate suggests a broader, more stable situation
- environment
broader term that may include physical and structural factors beyond mood
- mood
refers more to temporary emotional states rather than a general situation
用法筆記
Almost always used with a modifier (an adjective or of-phrase) to specify what kind of atmosphere exists. Rarely used without some descriptive context.
常見錯誤
climate — adjective
1. related to the world's changing weather patterns and to the actions people take
related to the world's changing weather patterns and to the actions people take to deal with this problem
World leaders gathered in Paris for the annual climate summit.
attributive use: climate + noun (summit, crisis, policy, activist)
The climate crisis has led to more frequent wildfires in many parts of the world.
Ravi works as a climate advisor for a non-profit organisation.
Several countries announced new climate targets for reducing carbon emissions.
Climate activists staged a protest outside the government building.
- environmental
broader — covers all environmental issues, not specifically climate change
- climatic
the standard adjective for weather-related matters (climatic conditions); 'climate' as adj is specific to climate-change contexts
用法筆記
Always used before a noun (attributive only). Cannot be used alone as a predicate (✗ 'This policy is climate'). Common in news, politics, and environmental discussions.