French word

atmosphère

Pronunciation

IPA/atmosfɛʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounatmosphere

Example

Il y a une bonne atmosphère dans ce café.

There is a good atmosphere in this cafe.

Illustration for atmosphère (atmosphere)

More examples

Il y avait une atmosphère de fête au mariage.

There was a festive atmosphere at the wedding.

Core concept

A surrounding layer that encloses a place and gives it a felt character.

Common phrases

  • atmosphère de fête

    festive atmosphere

  • atmosphère politique

    political atmosphere

  • atmosphère pesante

    oppressive atmosphere

Similar words

ambiance: The mood and sense of comfort felt inside a shop or venue.

Definition in French

Couche de gaz entourant la Terre ou, par extension, l'ambiance générale ressentie dans un lieu ou entre des personnes.

Word origin

The word comes through Latin from Greek atmos, 'vapor', and sphaira, 'sphere', first naming Earth's gaseous envelope before gaining its figurative sense.

Usage tips

  • Atmosphère is feminine, so the usual forms are une atmosphère and l'atmosphère after the definite article elides.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word