subtropics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, scientific, geographic
Quick answer
What does “subtropics” mean?
The regions bordering the tropics, typically characterized by a climate that is nearly tropical but slightly cooler and often less humid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The regions bordering the tropics, typically characterized by a climate that is nearly tropical but slightly cooler and often less humid.
The belt of latitudes lying between the tropics (Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn) and the temperate zones; in scientific contexts, a geographical and climatic classification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical. Evokes ideas of warm, sunny climates, agriculture (citrus fruits), and tourism.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to geographical references (e.g., Florida, southern California, parts of Texas are in the subtropics).
Grammar
How to Use “subtropics” in a Sentence
[geographical location] lies in the subtropics[species/plant] is native to the subtropicsthe climate of the subtropicsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subtropics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This species does not subtropicate; it is purely temperate.
American English
- No standard verb form exists for 'subtropics'.
adverb
British English
- The garden was planted subtropically, with agaves and olives.
American English
- No standard adverb form is in common use.
adjective
British English
- The subtropical climate in Cornwall allows for palm trees.
- We studied subtropical flora.
American English
- Florida has a subtropical climate.
- Subtropical storms can develop into hurricanes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts like agriculture, real estate, tourism, and climate-related industries. (e.g., 'The company invests in subtropical fruit production.')
Academic
Common in geography, climatology, ecology, and environmental science texts. (e.g., 'The study examines rainfall patterns in the humid subtropics.')
Everyday
Used when discussing weather, holiday destinations, or gardening. (e.g., 'We're lucky to live in the subtropics; we can grow avocados.')
Technical
Precise definition based on specific temperature isotherms (e.g., the coldest month averaging between 0°C and 18°C). Used in meteorological and agricultural modelling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subtropics”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subtropics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subtropics”
- Using 'subtropic' in the singular (incorrect: 'a subtropic'; correct: 'the subtropics' or 'a subtropical region').
- Confusing 'subtropical' with 'tropical' (e.g., calling a pineapple 'tropical' when it is often grown in subtropical climates).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always used in the plural form ('the subtropics'), similar to 'the tropics'. The singular form 'subtropic' is extremely rare and not standard.
The tropics are centered on the equator and are generally hotter with less seasonal temperature variation. The subtropics are the zones bordering the tropics and have more pronounced seasonal changes, with cooler (but usually mild) winters.
Yes, examples include: Sydney (Australia), Los Angeles (USA), Cape Town (South Africa), Rome (Italy), Shanghai (China), and Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Not exactly. A 'Mediterranean climate' (hot, dry summers; mild, wet winters) is one specific type of subtropical climate. Other subtropical climates can be humid with rain in summer (e.g., southeastern USA) or uniformly dry.
The regions bordering the tropics, typically characterized by a climate that is nearly tropical but slightly cooler and often less humid.
Subtropics is usually formal, scientific, geographic in register.
Subtropics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɒp.ɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɑː.pɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUB' as 'just below' and 'TROPICS' as the hot equatorial zone. So, the SUBTROPICS are the zones just below (north and south of) the TROPICS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUBTROPICS ARE A TRANSITIONAL ZONE (bridging the intense heat of the tropics and the cool of the temperate world).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of the subtropics?