B2 adjective Neutral

sphere

/sfɪər/

A sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional object where every point on its surface is equidistant from its center. Metaphorically, it refers to a specific field of activity, interest, or social environment where someone has power or expertise.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The children were fascinated by the large wooden sphere sitting in the center of the museum.

The kids were amazed by the big round wooden ball located in the middle of the museum.

2

He has spent his entire career operating within the highest levels of the political sphere.

He has worked his whole life inside the most important parts of the political world.

3

That topic is way out of my sphere, so I can't really comment on it.

That subject is outside of my area of knowledge, so I cannot give an opinion.

Word Family

Noun
sphere
Verb
ensphere
Adverb
spherically
Adjective
spherical
Related
spheroid
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Atmosphere' — it is the 'sphere' of air that surrounds our 'globe'. Both involve a round area of influence.

Quick Quiz

The diplomat worked hard to maintain his country's ___ of influence in the region.

Correct!

The correct answer is: sphere

Examples

1

The children were fascinated by the large wooden sphere sitting in the center of the museum.

everyday

The kids were amazed by the big round wooden ball located in the middle of the museum.

2

He has spent his entire career operating within the highest levels of the political sphere.

formal

He has worked his whole life inside the most important parts of the political world.

3

That topic is way out of my sphere, so I can't really comment on it.

informal

That subject is outside of my area of knowledge, so I cannot give an opinion.

4

The celestial sphere was a fundamental concept in ancient Greek astronomy for mapping stars.

academic

The imaginary globe of the sky was a basic idea used by ancient Greeks to map the stars.

5

The merger will allow the company to expand its sphere of influence in the European market.

business

The business deal will help the company increase its power and reach in the European market.

Word Family

Noun
sphere
Verb
ensphere
Adverb
spherically
Adjective
spherical
Related
spheroid

Common Collocations

public sphere The area of social life where people discuss societal issues.
sphere of influence An area where a person or country has power over others.
social sphere The environment involving social interactions and relationships.
political sphere The world or environment of politics and government.
celestial sphere An imaginary globe surrounding Earth used in astronomy.

Common Phrases

within one's sphere

Inside someone's area of knowledge or control.

outside my sphere

Not part of my expertise or responsibility.

domestic sphere

The area of life relating to the home and family.

Often Confused With

sphere vs circle

A circle is a two-dimensional flat shape, whereas a sphere is a three-dimensional solid object.

sphere vs atmosphere

Atmosphere refers specifically to the gases surrounding a planet, while sphere is a general term for any round object or area of activity.

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Usage Notes

When used metaphorically, 'sphere' implies a boundary of influence or expertise. It is commonly paired with 'of' to define the area, such as 'sphere of interest' or 'sphere of operation'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'circle' when they should use 'sphere' for 3D objects or abstract domains of influence. Additionally, avoid using it as a verb; use 'ensphere' or 'encompass' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Atmosphere' — it is the 'sphere' of air that surrounds our 'globe'. Both involve a round area of influence.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'spere', which comes from the Old French 'esphere' and the Latin 'sphaera', originally from the Greek 'sphaira' meaning 'ball'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Often used in the pattern 'sphere of [noun]' Plural form is 'spheres'
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Cultural Context

The term 'public sphere' is a significant concept in Western philosophy and sociology, representing a space where citizens can discuss politics independently of the state.

Quick Quiz

The diplomat worked hard to maintain his country's ___ of influence in the region.

Correct!

The correct answer is: sphere

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

extravidfy

C1

To significantly enhance the visual intensity, vividness, or clarity of a scene, image, or description. It is often used in the context of digital editing or literary embellishment to make something stand out beyond its natural state.

pronavfy

C1

A specialized digital data structure or configuration file used to synchronize navigation parameters and routing logic across multiple platforms. It serves as a master template ensuring that disparate hardware devices interpret spatial data and waypoints with identical precision.

nonvalward

C1

To deliberately move away from or reject established values, standards, or traditional norms. It implies a conscious effort to chart a path that disregards conventional worth or moral frameworks in favor of new, often experimental, directions.

multidomness

C1

To actively manage or integrate operations across multiple distinct domains or fields of influence. This verb describes the action of diversifying one's reach to ensure a functional presence in several specialized areas simultaneously.

proarchancy

C1

The state or quality of being a primary or foundational authority, often referring to a preliminary or original form of leadership or governance. It describes the condition of holding a pre-eminent or initial position of rule within a hierarchy.

anamess

C1

To gradually gather or accumulate a large quantity of something, typically wealth, information, or evidence, over a significant period of time. It implies a persistent process of building up a collection or 'mass' of resources.

premigrless

C1

To proactively eliminate or significantly reduce the necessity for future data or population migration by implementing structural optimizations during the initial setup phase. This verb is primarily used in technical and logistical contexts to describe the act of making a system or group stable enough that relocation becomes unnecessary.

undertortacy

C1

To resolve a civil legal grievance or potential tort claim outside of formal legal proceedings, often through private or informal mediation. It implies reaching a settlement secretly or 'under the table' to avoid public litigation.

tritentible

C1

Describing something that is capable of being stretched, extended, or held in three distinct directions or ways. It is often used in technical or abstract contexts to refer to a threefold capacity for tension or adaptability.

extrasonism

C1

To project sound, influence, or high-frequency vibrations beyond a specific physical or metaphorical boundary. It describes the active process of extending an acoustic or communicative reach into a wider environment.

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