weather
A1Neutral (used across all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, especially regarding temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover.
To survive or endure a difficult situation; to be altered by exposure to the elements.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a non-count noun when referring to atmospheric conditions ('bad weather'). Can be countably pluralized to refer to types of climate ('severe weathers'). The verb meaning 'to endure' is slightly formal and often used figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Minor differences in typical collocations (e.g., UK 'weather presenter' vs. US 'weatherman/woman' or 'meteorologist'). The UK tends to use 'weather forecast' slightly more frequently than the US's shortened 'forecast' in daily conversation.
Connotations
In both, it's a quintessential topic of small talk. The verb 'to weather' (to endure) is used with similar frequency and formality.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both, with a slight edge to the UK as a cultural trope for conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V (transitive): to weather a storm/crisisV (intransitive): The stone has weathered over time.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under the weather (feeling unwell)”
- “make heavy weather of (make unnecessarily difficult)”
- “weather the storm (survive a crisis)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company managed to weather the economic downturn."
Academic
"The study correlates long-term weather patterns with agricultural yields."
Everyday
"What's the weather like today? Should I take a coat?"
Technical
"The satellite provides real-time data on mesoscale weather phenomena."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old barn has weathered considerably.
- The government hopes to weather the political scandal.
American English
- The siding is designed to weather naturally to a grey shade.
- Our small business weathered the recession.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'weather' is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – 'weather' is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Weather-beaten (e.g., a weather-beaten face).
- Weather-proof (e.g., weather-proof clothing).
American English
- Weatherized (e.g., a weatherized cabin).
- Weather-related (e.g., weather-related delays).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The weather is sunny today.
- I don't like cold weather.
- If the weather is good, we'll have a picnic.
- The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
- Despite the adverse weather conditions, the flight departed on time.
- The region is known for its changeable weather.
- The company's robust finances allowed it to weather the market volatility.
- Coastal erosion is accelerated by extreme weather events.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WE AT HER house, but the WEATHER outside was terrible.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY THROUGH WEATHER (e.g., 'weather a crisis', 'stormy relationship', 'sunny disposition').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'whether' (conjunction). The Russian word 'погода' corresponds only to the noun 'weather', not the verb 'to weather'. Avoid direct translation of 'under the weather' – it does not mean 'под погодой'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling: 'wheather' or 'weater'. Using it as a countable noun incorrectly: 'a weather' (incorrect) vs. 'a weather system' (correct). Mistaking 'weather' for 'climate' (which is long-term).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'weather' correctly as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable ('bad weather'). It can be countable when referring to different types or instances of climate ('the weathers of the world'), but this is less common.
'Weather' refers to short-term atmospheric conditions (hours/days). 'Climate' refers to the long-term average weather patterns of a region (decades).
It is an idiom meaning 'feeling slightly unwell or ill.' Example: 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'm going to stay home.'
It means to survive a difficult period or crisis, whether literal (a storm at sea) or, more commonly, figurative (a financial or personal crisis).
Collections
Part of a collection
Weather
A2 · 45 words · Describing the weather, climate and seasons.