stratosphere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “stratosphere” mean?
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending from about 10 to 50 km above the earth's surface, characterized by a temperature that increases with height.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending from about 10 to 50 km above the earth's surface, characterized by a temperature that increases with height.
A very high or the highest level, region, or layer; a domain or standard of extreme height, excellence, or achievement, especially in non-literal contexts (e.g., salaries, prices, luxury).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Figurative usage is common in both varieties in business, sports, and media journalism (e.g., 'salaries in the stratosphere').
Frequency
Slightly more common in figurative contexts in American media, but widely used in both.
Grammar
How to Use “stratosphere” in a Sentence
Noun + preposition 'of' (the stratosphere of luxury)Verb + into/to the stratosphere (rocketed into the stratosphere)Adjective + stratosphere (the political stratosphere)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stratosphere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb 'stratosphere' is not standard. Use 'to reach the stratosphere' or 'to stratospherically increase' (adverb).
American English
- The verb 'stratosphere' is not standard. Use 'to hit the stratosphere' or 'to go stratospheric'.
adverb
British English
- The adverbial form is 'stratospherically'. 'Prices have risen stratospherically in the luxury property market.'
American English
- The adverbial form is 'stratospherically'. 'Her popularity soared stratospherically after the film's release.'
adjective
British English
- The adjectival form is 'stratospheric'. 'The company reported stratospheric profits this quarter.'
American English
- The adjectival form is 'stratospheric'. 'The player's fame reached stratospheric levels after the championship.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively to describe exceptionally high costs, profits, or executive compensation. 'CEO pay has entered the stratosphere.'
Academic
Used literally in earth sciences, meteorology, and environmental studies to discuss ozone depletion, climate models, and atmospheric chemistry.
Everyday
Used figuratively for exaggeration. 'Ticket prices for the final are in the stratosphere!'
Technical
The specific atmospheric layer where temperature inversion occurs and commercial jets often cruise. Defined by pressure and temperature gradients.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stratosphere”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stratosphere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stratosphere”
- Confusing it with 'ionosphere' or 'mesosphere'. Using it to mean simply 'sky' or 'space'. Incorrectly using it as an adjective without '-ic' (e.g., 'stratosphere level' instead of 'stratospheric level').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The stratosphere is part of Earth's atmosphere. 'Space' conventionally begins above the atmosphere, at the Kármán line (about 100 km up).
Yes, but it's an exaggerated, figurative use common in journalism and informal commentary (e.g., 'stratospheric prices'), not for literal, moderate heights.
The correct adjective is 'stratospheric' (e.g., stratospheric temperatures, stratospheric rise in costs).
Yes. The troposphere is the lowest atmospheric layer (0-10 km) where weather occurs. The stratosphere lies directly above it (10-50 km) and contains the ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude here.
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending from about 10 to 50 km above the earth's surface, characterized by a temperature that increases with height.
Stratosphere is usually formal, academic, journalistic, figurative in register.
Stratosphere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræt̬.ə.sfɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[live/work/play] in the stratosphere”
- “prices/salaries/temperatures are in the stratosphere”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRATospheric balloon. STRAT sounds like 'straight up' – it's the layer that goes straight up above the weather layer.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGH IS GOOD/EXTREME; UP IS MORE (for figurative use). THE ATMOSPHERE IS A LAYERED STRUCTURE (for literal use).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stratosphere' used LITERALLY?