Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
climate
/ˈklaɪmɪt/
In its primary sense, it refers to a long-term average rather than a momentary state. While "weather" is what happens today, "climate" is the expected pattern over decades. It carries a sense of permanence and predictability. When used metaphorically for social or political environments, it describes an invisible but powerful pressure. It represents the collective mood or shared mindset of a group that dictates how individuals behave or feel. Compared to "atmosphere," which can be a fleeting vibe in a room, "climate" implies a more systemic, structural condition that is harder to change quickly.
Uncountable when referring to the general global weather patterns ('Climate change is a global crisis'). Countable when comparing specific regional types or different social atmospheres ('The Mediterranean and Arctic climates are opposites' or 'We have seen several different political climates over the last decade').
意味
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."
コロケーション・複合語
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.
イディオム・ことわざ
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.
語源
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.