Climate
KLY-met
/ˈklaɪmət/
The long-term average weather pattern in a region, typically over 30 years or more.
Climate refers to long-term trends and averages, while weather describes short-term, day-to-day conditions.
The story behind the word. The word 'climate' comes from the Greek 'klima', which originally meant 'slope' or 'inclination'. This referred to the angle of the sun's rays relative to the Earth's surface, which ancient Greek geographers understood as a primary factor determining regional temperature and weather patterns. From this geographical sense, it evolved to mean the characteristic weather of a region.
Word relationships
- weather patterns: More descriptive, but 'climate' is a single, precise term for long-term averages.
- weather: Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is long-term averages.
Commonly confused with
- Weather: Weather is what you get on a particular day (e.g., 'It's raining today'); climate is what you expect over seasons and years (e.g., 'This region has a rainy climate').
Word family
- climatic (adjective): Relating to climate.
- climatology (noun): The study of climate.
Collocations
- global climate
- local climate
- changing climate
- tropical climate
- temperate climate
Idioms & expressions
- climate of opinion (general mood or attitude)
Example sentences
- "Scientists are deeply concerned about the rapid changes in the Earth's climate due to human activities." Discussing global environmental issues.
- "The Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, ideal for olive groves and vineyards." Describing regional characteristics.
Memory hook
Think 'CLIMB-it' – you 'climb' through different regions, each with its own long-term weather pattern, or 'climate'. Climb a mountain, change your climate
When not to use
Do not use 'climate' when referring to the immediate conditions outside; use 'weather' instead.
Fun facts
- The Köppen climate classification system is one of the most widely used systems for classifying the world's climates.
- The Earth has experienced numerous natural climate cycles throughout its history, but current changes are largely attributed to human activity.
Related words
Explore more words
Climate Change, meteorology, temperate, adaptation, microclimate, forecast
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