Ambience is a term that is commonly used to describe the atmosphere or mood of a particular environment. It is a word that is often used to describe the feeling or vibe that is present in a space, whether it be a room, a building, or even an entire city. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ambience, its origin, and how it is used in different contexts.
Definitions
Ambience is defined as the character or atmosphere of a place, situation, or environment. It is the feeling or mood that is created by the surroundings, such as the lighting, sounds, and smells. Ambience can also refer to the overall impression that a space or environment gives off, such as its style, decor, or architecture.
Origin
The word ambience comes from the French word ambiance, which means “surroundings” or “environment”. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe the mood or atmosphere of a particular place or situation.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ambience is defined as “the character or atmosphere of a place, situation, or environment”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the mood, character, quality, tone, or atmosphere of an environment or situation”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ambience as “the character of a place or the feeling it has, often created by its people, buildings, or events”.
Associations
Ambience is often associated with the sensory experience of a particular environment. For example, the ambience of a restaurant might be created by the lighting, music, and decor, as well as the smells and tastes of the food. Similarly, the ambience of a city might be created by its architecture, landmarks, and cultural events.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ambience include atmosphere, mood, vibe, aura, and feeling. These words all describe the overall impression or character of a particular environment.
Antonyms
Antonyms of ambience include sterility, barrenness, and emptiness. These words describe an environment that lacks character or atmosphere.
The same root words
Ambience is derived from the French word ambiance, which comes from the Latin word ambiens, meaning “surrounding”. Other words that share this root include ambient, which means “surrounding” or “encircling”, and ambience’s synonym, atmosphere, which comes from the Greek word atmos, meaning “vapor” or “steam”.
Example Sentences
- The ambience of the restaurant was cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background.
- The ambience of the city was vibrant and energetic, with street performers and colorful buildings lining the streets.
- The ambience of the hotel room was luxurious and elegant, with plush bedding and a marble bathroom.
- The ambience of the library was quiet and studious, with the sound of pages turning and hushed whispers in the air.
- The ambience of the park was peaceful and serene, with the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze.