subtropical high: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “subtropical high” mean?
A semi-permanent, large-scale area of high atmospheric pressure located in the subtropical regions of the world's oceans.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A semi-permanent, large-scale area of high atmospheric pressure located in the subtropical regions of the world's oceans.
In climatology and meteorology, a persistent anticyclone that influences global weather patterns, often associated with stable, dry, and clear conditions, such as the Azores High or the Bermuda High. These systems are major drivers of Earth's atmospheric circulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow 'centre' vs. 'center' when discussing the system's 'centre'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare outside of meteorology, climatology, and geography contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “subtropical high” in a Sentence
The [NAME] subtropical high dominates the [REGION].A weakening subtropical high leads to [EFFECT].The position of the subtropical high shifts [DIRECTION] in summer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subtropical high” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Azores High is forecast to strengthen over the weekend.
American English
- The Bermuda High is expected to weaken by Tuesday.
adjective
British English
- Subtropical high-pressure systems are dominant features.
American English
- Subtropical high pressure will bring clear skies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except possibly in contexts like shipping logistics, agriculture, or renewable energy where weather patterns affect operations.
Academic
Core term in physical geography, climatology, and atmospheric sciences. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in detailed weather forecasts or documentaries.
Technical
Standard, precise terminology in meteorological reports, climate models, and pilot/ maritime briefings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subtropical high”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subtropical high”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subtropical high”
- Using 'subtropical highs' as a singular verb (e.g., 'The pressure subtropical highs'). It is a compound noun. Confusing it with 'tropical high' or 'polar high'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Subtropical high' is a specific type of anticyclone that is large, semi-permanent, and located over subtropical oceans.
The Bermuda-Azores High in the North Atlantic, which strongly influences European and Caribbean weather.
They are key components of Earth's general circulation, steering major wind patterns like the trade winds and westerlies, and creating the world's major desert regions on their eastern flanks.
Yes. Their size and persistence allow them to influence weather patterns across entire ocean basins and adjacent continents, affecting rainfall, temperature, and storm tracks thousands of miles away.
A semi-permanent, large-scale area of high atmospheric pressure located in the subtropical regions of the world's oceans.
Subtropical high is usually technical / academic in register.
Subtropical high: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɒp.ɪ.kəl haɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɑː.pɪ.kəl haɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUBmarine in the TROPICAL sea that always stays HIGH on the surface—it's a persistent, stable high-pressure area in the subtropics.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROTATING PUMP or a GIANT ATMOSPHERIC ENGINE that circulates air and drives global weather.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meteorological characteristic of a subtropical high?