hemisphere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “hemisphere” mean?
One half of a sphere, especially of the earth or the brain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One half of a sphere, especially of the earth or the brain.
A half of the celestial sphere; a division or half of any round object or system, especially geographical, political, or cultural; one of the two halves of the cerebrum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. Minor differences may exist in typical collocates (e.g., 'football hemisphere' in British vs. 'soccer hemisphere' in American contexts).
Connotations
None specific.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media and academic texts due to greater emphasis on 'Western Hemisphere' in geopolitical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hemisphere” in a Sentence
[determiner] + hemisphere[adjective] + hemisphere + of + [noun]hemisphere + [prepositional phrase (e.g., 'of the brain')]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hemisphere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hemispheric divide in climate is stark.
- Hemispheric cooperation is essential.
American English
- The hemispheric climate divide is stark.
- Hemispheric cooperation is vital.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in global market analysis (e.g., 'operations in the Asian hemisphere').
Academic
Very common in geography, astronomy, neuroscience, and political science.
Everyday
Used in weather reports, travel discussions, and general knowledge.
Technical
Precise use in cartography, neurology (brain hemispheres), and astronomy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hemisphere”
- Misspelling as 'hemishpere'. Incorrectly using 'hemisphere' for a quarter or smaller part. Using without 'northern/southern/etc.' when geographical context is unclear.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it commonly refers to halves of the brain (cerebral hemispheres), the celestial sphere, or can be used metaphorically for any system divided into two.
The Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Hemispheres, defined by the equator (N/S) and the Prime Meridian/180th meridian (E/W).
It is neutral to formal. It is the precise scientific term but is also commonly used in everyday news and weather reports.
The prefix 'hemi-' comes from Greek and means 'half'.
One half of a sphere, especially of the earth or the brain.
Hemisphere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhem.ɪ.sfɪər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhem.ə.sfɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not the brightest bulb in the hemisphere (humorous variation)”
- “a hemisphere away (meaning very distant)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sphere wearing a HEMI-skirt that covers exactly half (HEMI) of it. Or, remember HEMI- (half) + SPHERE.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVISION IS SPLITTING A SPHERE; WORLD/CONSCIOUSNESS IS A SPHERE (e.g., 'in his hemisphere of thought').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hemisphere' LEAST likely to be used?