noun
climate
KLEYE-miht
noun
1
The typical weather patterns of a region, measured over a long period of time.
"The region has a dry, Mediterranean climate."
"Scientists study how climate is changing over decades."
2
The general mood, atmosphere, or set of conditions surrounding a situation.
"The current political climate makes reform difficult."
How to Use Climate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLong-term weather patterns of a place, or more broadly, the general mood or conditions surrounding a situation.
Common mistake
Climate and weather aren't the same — weather is short-term (today's rain), climate is the long-term pattern (a rainy region).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
political climate
climate change
tropical climate
Word Forms
climated past tense, climates plural, climates singular
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The region has a dry, Mediterranean _____.
Etymology
From Greek klima, "inclination, latitude" — ancient geographers divided the earth into zones ("climates") based on the angle of the sun.