tropical: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “tropical” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of the tropics, the region of Earth surrounding the Equator, characterized by hot and humid climate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characteristic of the tropics, the region of Earth surrounding the Equator, characterized by hot and humid climate.
Used to describe something very hot, lush, or exotic; also used in mathematics (tropical geometry) and medicine (tropical diseases).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and some collocational preferences may vary (e.g., 'tropical fruit' vs. 'tropical fruits' as a collective).
Connotations
Similar connotations of heat, humidity, exoticism, and vibrant ecosystems in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, with slight increase in British English in weather-related contexts due to discussing foreign holidays.
Grammar
How to Use “tropical” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (tropical forest)be + adjective (The weather is tropical.)adverb + adjective (distinctly tropical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tropical” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb) The plant will tropicalise in the conservatory.
American English
- (Rare as verb) The region is expected to tropicalize over the coming decades.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as adverb) The flowers grew tropical, spilling over the wall.
American English
- (Rare as adverb) It felt tropical hot and sticky in the subway.
adjective
British English
- We enjoyed the tropical warmth of the Seychelles.
- The garden centre has a splendid selection of tropical plants.
American English
- Florida is known for its tropical climate.
- She wore a bright tropical print dress.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In tourism: 'tropical resort development'; in agriculture: 'tropical commodity markets'.
Academic
In geography/biology: 'tropical ecosystems'; in climatology: 'tropical cyclone formation'.
Everyday
Describing weather, holiday destinations, or fruit: 'It's positively tropical today!'
Technical
In meteorology: 'tropical depression'; in medicine: 'tropical medicine'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tropical”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tropical”
- Using 'tropic' as an adjective (e.g., 'tropic climate' is incorrect; use 'tropical climate').
- Misspelling as 'tropikal'.
- Overusing to describe any warm weather.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it is often used metaphorically to describe any very hot and humid condition or lush, green environment, regardless of location.
'Tropic' is primarily a noun referring to the lines of latitude (Tropic of Cancer/Capricorn) or the region itself. 'Tropical' is the adjective used to describe things from or like that region.
Not directly. You might say someone has a 'tropical temperament' (meaning fiery or passionate) or looks like they belong in the tropics (e.g., wearing bright clothes), but it is not a standard descriptor for a person's inherent qualities.
It is neutral and appropriate for all registers, from everyday conversation to formal scientific writing. The context and collocations determine the formality.
Relating to or characteristic of the tropics, the region of Earth surrounding the Equator, characterized by hot and humid climate.
Tropical: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɒp.ɪ.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrɑː.pɪ.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go tropical (to adopt a relaxed, holiday-like attitude)”
- “Tropical madness (a state of irrational behaviour attributed to extreme heat)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TROPical holiday: TRavelling Over Palm-trees In Calm, Azure Lagoons.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS TROPICAL (e.g., 'This room is tropical!'), LUSHNESS/ABUNDANCE IS TROPICAL (e.g., 'a tropical growth of ideas').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a 'tropical' climate?