Ambient Meaning and Definition
Ambient
Pronunciation
/ˈæm(b)ɪənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A surrounding influence or environment that affects the atmosphere or mood of a place, often characterized by a subtle, pervasive, and calming presence.
Examples
- The ambient light in the studio created a relaxed atmosphere.
- The soft, ambient music in the background helped to reduce stress.
Synonyms
- Atmosphere
- Mood
- Setting
Antonyms
- Jarring
- Jarring
Etymology
The word “ambient” comes from the Latin “amovere,” meaning “to move around,” and is related to the word “ambience,” which means “the surroundings or environment of something.”
Usage Notes
Ambient is often used to describe the subtle and pervasive influence of a place, object, or atmosphere on a person’s mood or emotions. It is also used to describe the background or surrounding environment of a scene, such as the ambient sound or ambient light.
Cultural References
Ambient has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the musical genre of ambient music, which emphasizes calm, atmospheric sounds, and in the description of spaces, such as a ” ambient lounge” or an “ambient bar.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Get it together, and immerse yourself in the ambient atmosphere.” or “The ambient noise of the city is so relaxing.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Atmosphere
- Mood
- Setting
- Environment
Collocations
- ambient light
- ambient music
- ambient noise
- ambient temperature
Frequency of Use
Ambient is a relatively uncommon word, but it has been increasingly used in recent years to describe the subtle and pervasive influence of a place or atmosphere on a person’s mood or emotions.
Common Misspellings
Ambient is often misspelled as “Ambient” or “Ambiant.”