vibe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vibe" is usable in written English and is considered informal.
It can be used to describe the atmosphere or feeling of a place, situation, or person. Example: "The café had a relaxed vibe that made it perfect for studying." Alternatives include "atmosphere" or "ambiance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What the police discovered when they raided the three-bedroom flat in spring 2011, however, had more of a Young British Artists vibe: homemade shelves stacked with hundreds of juice cartons and tinned food with a 1980s sell-by date.

The Guardian

There followed a solemn montage that furthered the "being quite sensitive while conveying the ongoing disintegration of the Brotherhood" vibe: an Annie-less Hunt moping around in his dressing gown and mourning-beard; a nonexistent Fred weeping violently on some cobbles.

The Guardian

Set up by some of the team from the iconic Buoyancy club nights, Alfresco Disco pride themselves on putting on nights that promote a free-spirited vibe, away from the shackles that can often restrict inner-city clubs.

The Guardian - Music

And that is miles away from fashion's lackadaisical vibe right now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With chill-out music playing in the background, hammocks strung from the rafters, yoga classes (daily on demand and free once a week) and an inviting pool, the vibe here is relaxed.

The Guardian - Travel

In Kampot, visually impaired masseurs offer soothing treatments at Seeing Hands, and there's a chilled vibe and decent coffee to enjoy at Epic Arts Cafe, run by deaf and disabled workers.

The Guardian - Travel

The Netherlands is a very relaxed country – as shown by its liberal attitude towards drugs and prostitution – and this laid-back vibe is central to the student experience.

The Guardian

Definitely not pointy ankle boots, unless Britney Spears' mall date look is your vibe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its cosmopolitan vibe (all those students from London with their outlandish hair and clothes and their universal love of Joni Mitchell) may have been intimidating, but I didn't have to apologise for my accent or love of theatre any more.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it was positively vibe-strewn compared with the drably balladeering Grammys.

The Guardian - Music

Sorry, it doesn't matter how many post-dubstep DJs you see doing secret sets in the Eavis's private jacuzzi – this is going to be everyone's highlight of Glastonbury, transforming Sunday afternoon comedowns into sequin-encrusted vibe-rainbows.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vibe" when you want to describe an atmosphere or feeling that is sensed rather than explicitly stated. For example, "The restaurant had a relaxed "vibe" that made us feel comfortable."

Common error

While "vibe" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, opt for more professional alternatives like "atmosphere" or "ambiance".

Linguistic Context

The word "vibe" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a feeling or atmosphere that a person or place emits. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally usable in written English but considered informal. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to relax and enjoy oneself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Travel

15%

Music

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Sport

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "vibe" is a versatile word, primarily functioning as a noun to describe the atmosphere or feeling of a place, person, or situation. While widely understood, it's considered informal and according to Ludwig AI should be used cautiously in formal writing, where alternatives like "atmosphere" or "ambiance" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples show that "vibe" is frequently used in News & Media, Travel, and Music contexts, offering a convenient way to convey intangible qualities. When aiming for a professional tone, consider using more formal alternatives to avoid sounding too casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atmosphere

Focuses on the overall feeling or mood of a place or situation.

ambiance

Similar to atmosphere, but often refers to the aesthetic qualities contributing to a feeling.

feeling

Emphasizes the emotional quality or impression conveyed.

aura

Suggests a distinctive atmosphere or quality surrounding a person or place.

mood

Highlights the emotional state or prevailing atmosphere.

character

Refers to the distinctive qualities or attributes of something.

climate

Indicates the prevailing conditions or attitudes.

resonance

Suggests a deeper, more profound emotional connection or impact.

energy

Emphasizes the dynamic and lively qualities present.

spirit

Focuses on the essential nature or ethos of something.

FAQs

What does "vibe" mean?

The word "vibe" refers to the atmosphere or feeling of a place, person, or situation. It is often used to describe intangible qualities that are sensed rather than explicitly defined.

How can I use "vibe" in a sentence?

You can use "vibe" to describe the feeling or atmosphere of something, for example: "The party had a great "vibe"", or "I got a bad "vibe" from that person."

What can I say instead of "vibe"?

You can use alternatives like "atmosphere", "ambiance", or "feeling" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "vibe" in formal writing?

While "vibe" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use terms like "atmosphere" or "ambiance".