frigid atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frigid atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cold or unwelcoming environment, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The frigid atmosphere in the room made it clear that no one was interested in engaging in conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The frigid atmosphere over the South Pole contains less than one-tenth the water vapor found over the Mauna Kea observatories in Hawaii, one of the best telescope sites in use.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For instance, 6 years ago a quarter of Japan's summer crop of rice was wiped out during a frigid year that resulted from shifts in the Arctic atmosphere.

Science Magazine

Summary: Contrails (short for "condensation trails") are created when warm, moist air exits a jet engine and is rapidly cooled by the frigid air in the upper atmosphere (one reason for the moisture is that the combustion of jet fuel produces water as well as CO2).

Huffington Post

The hole, actually a broad region of reduced ozone levels, occurs when Freon and similar synthetic chemicals, in concert with frigid air and ice clouds in the upper atmosphere at the poles, destroy ozone molecules.

The New York Times - Science

Meteorologists, using radar and other sensors that can chart the speed of different masses of air, noted a sharp southerly dip and then northerly twist in the jet stream, 18,000 feet up in the atmosphere, that sent a 110-mile-an-hour flow of frigid air from northern Texas all the way to western New York.

The New York Times

It has converted the atmosphere into a giant blender, flinging hot, dry air from sweltering Texas north into frigid air lodged over the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where snow is falling.

The Washington Post

Frigid air to follow.

The Washington Post

The frigid air was still.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the frigid and foreboding atmosphere of the Fort, on this day it was filled with professional photographers shooting smiling clients in evening attire or high-fashion maternity wear, using the steel undergirdings of the bridge and the carceral military architecture to frame family celebrations.

University of California, Berkeley

At a vast distance from the Sun, Titan is frigid, and its atmosphere lacks CO2.

Wikipedia

ELISSA CATERFINO THE SANDS OF JANUARY The sander is browning the newfallen snow; The atmosphere's frigid and clammy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a literal "frigid atmosphere", consider specifying the temperature or other relevant meteorological details to enhance clarity. For figurative uses, ensure the context clearly establishes the intended emotional or social coldness.

Common error

Avoid using "frigid atmosphere" excessively in figurative contexts where other adjectives might provide a more nuanced or descriptive portrayal of emotional or social coldness. Consider alternatives like "tense", "strained", or "unwelcoming" to capture the specific mood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frigid atmosphere" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to characterize the atmosphere as being extremely cold. The examples illustrate its use in describing actual atmospheric conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frigid atmosphere" is a phrase used to describe an extremely cold environment, be it literally or figuratively. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While grammatically sound, it is relatively rare. Consider alternatives like "icy air" or "freezing air" for variety. When using "frigid atmosphere", ensure the context clearly supports the intended meaning, avoiding overuse in figurative scenarios where more specific descriptors might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

icy air

Focuses on the temperature of the air being extremely cold.

freezing air

Emphasizes the sensation of extreme coldness in the air.

bitterly cold air

Highlights the intensity and unpleasantness of the cold air.

glacial air

Implies a coldness reminiscent of glaciers.

arctic air

Directly references the extreme cold associated with the Arctic region.

chilly atmosphere

Replaces "frigid" with a less intense adjective, indicating a milder coldness.

frosty environment

Shifts the focus from the air to the overall conditions.

wintry climate

Conveys a cold atmosphere associated with winter.

unwelcoming environment

Shifts the meaning to a figurative sense of emotional coldness.

inhospitable climate

Emphasizes the harshness and difficulty of surviving in the given conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "frigid atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "frigid atmosphere" to describe a very cold environment, such as "The "frigid atmosphere" over the South Pole contains little water vapor". It can also describe an unwelcoming or tense situation, such as "The "frigid atmosphere" at the meeting made it difficult to collaborate".

What are some alternatives to "frigid atmosphere"?

Some alternatives include "icy air", "freezing air", or "chilly atmosphere", depending on the context and desired level of intensity.

Is "frigid atmosphere" a formal or informal phrase?

"Frigid atmosphere" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news reports, scientific articles, and other types of formal writing. Its suitability depends on the specific audience and purpose of the communication.

What makes the atmosphere "frigid"?

A "frigid atmosphere" is characterized by extremely low temperatures. This can be due to factors such as geographical location (e.g., polar regions), altitude, or seasonal changes.