atmospheric

Everyday

1. Atmospheric means to do with the atmosphere, the layer of air around the Earth or another planet («atmospheric pressure»). tree →
2. Atmospheric also describes a place, picture, film or music that creates a strong mood or feeling, often mysterious, cosy or spooky. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons «atmospheric pressure» is the weight of air pushing down on us, measured with a barometer; scientists study atmospheric gases and pollution. In English lessons, writers use atmospheric description (sounds, light, weather) to set the mood of a story. Everyday: an atmospheric café has candles and soft music.

Examples

• Atmospheric pressure is lower at the top of a mountain. tree →
• Scientists measure atmospheric carbon dioxide. tree →
• The old castle was dark and atmospheric. tree →
• The film has atmospheric music that makes you nervous. tree →
• Use atmospheric words like «mist» and «creaking» in your ghost story. tree →
• Mars has a very thin atmospheric layer. tree →
• The candlelit room felt atmospheric. tree →

Note

Adjective from «atmosphere». Stress: «at-mus-FERR-ik». The two senses are quite different: one is science (air), the other is mood.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah describes the elements of fire, water and air as making heaven, earth and the air between them. Tradition reads air as the balance between the other two. In the primary lessons: In science lessons «atmospheric pressure» is the weight of air pushing down on us, measured with a barometer; scientists study atmospheric gases and pollution. In English lessons, writers use atmospheric description (sounds, light, weather) to set the mood of a story. Everyday: an atmospheric café has candles and soft music.

Examples

• Heaven was created from fire or ether; the earth (comprising sea and land) from the elementary water; and the atmospheric air from the elementary air, or spirit, which establishes the balance among them. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Adjective from «atmosphere». Stress: «at-mus-FERR-ik». The two senses are quite different: one is science (air), the other is mood.