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climate
/ˈklaɪmɪt/
The word 'climate' is primarily used as an uncountable noun when referring to general weather patterns or atmospheric conditions over a long period (e.g., 'the Mediterranean climate'). It can also be used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of climates or regions (e.g., 'tropical climates', 'harsh climates'). When used metaphorically to describe an atmosphere or prevailing tendency, it functions as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'a climate of fear').
Meanings
The prevailing or typical conditions of a place or period, especially regarding weather and temperature.
"Tropical climate is very humid."
A particular environment or atmosphere characterized by certain attitudes, feelings, or circumstances.
"The office climate is tense."
Collocations & Compounds
climate change
A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns.
We need to address climate change urgently.
tropical climate
A hot and humid climate found near the equator.
This plant thrives in a tropical climate.
political climate
The prevailing mood or attitude in politics.
The political climate is very tense.
economic climate
The general state of the economy.
The current economic climate is challenging.
hostile climate
An unfriendly or unwelcoming atmosphere.
She left the company due to the hostile climate.
Idioms & Sayings
change the climate
To alter the prevailing atmosphere or attitude.
We need to change the climate of negativity.
climate of opinion
The general attitude or beliefs held by a group of people.
The climate of opinion is shifting.
Etymology
The word 'climate' entered English in the late 14th century, derived from the Old French 'climat', which itself came from the Latin 'clima'. The ultimate origin is the Greek word 'klima', meaning 'slope' or 'region'. This Greek term was used to refer to a zone of the Earth's surface determined by its latitude, essentially a 'slant' of the sun's rays. The concept was that different latitudes had different climates due to their angle relative to the sun. Early scientific understanding of geography and astronomy influenced this naming. The word's meaning evolved from a specific geographical zone defined by latitude to the general weather patterns of a region, and later to a metaphorical atmosphere or prevailing tendency.