vibes

USAGE SUMMARY

"vibes" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or atmosphere that you get from a person, place, or thing. For example, "I got really positive vibes from the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That feeling is present in abundance in the video for Unstoppable, a masterclass in #carefreeblackgirl vibes – just watch as La Havas's afro jumps along as she engages in euphoric interpretive dance through an empty house.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The gang back together!" he simpered, envisioning a headline set at the Royal Academy – they could do Ophelia as an encore and get Ruskin on vibes and everything!

The Guardian

The return of Hakan Calhanoglu to his former club had upped the aggro in the stadium and the bad vibes soon affected the players.

The Guardian - Sport

Personally, I prefer them when they dial up their math-rock vibes.

The Guardian - Music

This is the unmitigated sound of summer 2015, so full of joyous vibes that it's impossible to imagine that any song will top it ever again.

The Guardian - Music

It makes for oddly good vibes, and New York disco-house crew Mister Saturday Night have been masters of the format since 2009, putting the Abba in sabbath across various Brooklyn warehouses.

The Guardian - Music

She'll have some favourable coverage in the morning newspapers, and she will no doubt try to keep the good vibes going through the news cycle.

The Economist

It is also a problem, since bad vibes may deter potential migrants and investors.

The Economist

Koo Chen-fu, who, like Mr Tang, is respected in Beijing, stays on as the chief negotiator.Given the warm vibes Mr Chen is sending across the Strait, the Chinese should realise that they would look merely churlish were they to rant too much.

The Economist

But sitting on the fence becomes increasingly uncomfortable as events unfold, and the vibes from Washington have become distinctly colder over the past 24 hours.

The Economist

An unwittingly humorous account of the establishment of Rag, a feminist journal at Harvard, reported that the founders "proposed a method of consensus for decision-making and suggested that the positions of facilitator, time keeper and vibes watcher (whose job it was to monitor the tension in the room and notice if people were being silenced) should rotate on a voluntary basis".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vibes" to describe an atmosphere or feeling that is perceived, not necessarily tangible. For instance, "The music created positive vibes at the party."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "vibes" without specifying the characteristics that create that feeling. Instead of saying "The room had good vibes", describe what contributed to the atmosphere, such as "The room had good vibes, with warm lighting and comfortable seating."

Linguistic Context

The word "vibes" functions primarily as a noun, often in the plural form, to denote the emotional atmosphere or feeling exuded by a person, place, or thing. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a perceived, often intangible, sensation. Examples show it characterizing experiences and environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Independent

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vibes" functions as a versatile noun to describe atmospheric or emotional qualities. As Ludwig AI states, it is a word that you can use to describe a feeling or atmosphere that you get from a person, place, or thing. While prevalent in informal contexts, its use can extend to news and media, reflecting its widespread understanding. For formal writing, however, consider more precise alternatives. Understanding its common errors, like over-reliance without concrete descriptions, can improve communication. Overall, "vibes" provides a shorthand for expressing subjective impressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling

Substitutes "vibes" with a simpler, more direct term for emotional sensation.

atmosphere

Replaces the more abstract concept of "vibes" with a focus on the surrounding environment.

ambiance

Focuses on the tone and character of a place, similar to the overall feeling conveyed by "vibes".

aura

Implies a distinctive atmosphere or quality surrounding a person or place, similar to "vibes".

spirit

Highlights the essence or soul of a place or situation, similar to the intangible feeling of "vibes".

emotional energy

Breaks down "vibes" into its components, highlighting the emotional aspect.

prevailing mood

Shifts the focus to the dominant emotional state present in a situation, similar to "vibes".

resonance

Suggests a deeper, more profound connection or feeling than "vibes".

climate

Emphasizes the prevailing mood or atmosphere, often in a social or political context.

general impression

Offers a more objective assessment of the overall feeling, contrasting with the subjective nature of "vibes".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "vibes" in a sentence?

Use "vibes" to describe an atmosphere, feeling, or emotional energy sensed from a person, place, or thing. For instance, "I'm getting good "vibes" from this project, it feels like it will be a success."

What are some alternatives to using the word "vibes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "atmosphere", "feeling", or "aura".

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

While "vibes" is widely understood, it's generally more suited to informal or creative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "ambiance" or "emotional energy" for clarity.

What does it mean when someone says they are "feeling the vibes"?

It typically means they are attuned to and influenced by the emotional or atmospheric energy of a situation or environment. It indicates a sense of connection and understanding.