stratosphere
The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. Metaphorically, it refers to an extremely high level or state, such as in prices, success, or social status.
Examples
3 of 5The price of real estate in the city center has reached the stratosphere.
The price of real estate in the city center has reached the stratosphere.
The ozone layer is located within the stratosphere and protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
The ozone layer is located within the stratosphere and protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
His ego is in the stratosphere since he got that promotion.
His ego is in the stratosphere since he got that promotion.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'strata' meaning layers. It is the 'layer' of the 'sphere' (Earth) that is high enough for stars to feel closer.
Quick Quiz
After the tech giant's breakthrough in AI, their stock prices shot straight into the ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stratosphere
Examples
The price of real estate in the city center has reached the stratosphere.
everydayThe price of real estate in the city center has reached the stratosphere.
The ozone layer is located within the stratosphere and protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
formalThe ozone layer is located within the stratosphere and protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
His ego is in the stratosphere since he got that promotion.
informalHis ego is in the stratosphere since he got that promotion.
Meteorological data suggests that temperatures in the lower stratosphere have stabilized over the last decade.
academicMeteorological data suggests that temperatures in the lower stratosphere have stabilized over the last decade.
Our quarterly earnings have moved into the stratosphere compared to last year's performance.
businessOur quarterly earnings have moved into the stratosphere compared to last year's performance.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
into the stratosphere
into the stratosphere (to an incredibly high level)
reach the stratosphere
reach the stratosphere (to achieve extreme success or cost)
stratospheric heights
stratospheric heights (extremely high levels)
Often Confused With
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs, while the stratosphere is the layer above it.
The atmosphere is the entire envelope of gases, whereas the stratosphere is just one specific layer within it.
Usage Notes
Use this word literally when discussing Earth science or aviation. Use it metaphorically to emphasize that something, like a price or a person's level of success, is exceptionally high.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the definite article 'the' when referring to the literal atmospheric layer. They also sometimes confuse it with the 'troposphere' where clouds and rain are found.
Memory Tip
Think of 'strata' meaning layers. It is the 'layer' of the 'sphere' (Earth) that is high enough for stars to feel closer.
Word Origin
From Latin 'stratus' (spread out or layered) and Greek 'sphaira' (ball or globe).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking business culture, reaching the 'stratosphere' is a common idiom for a company or stock price that has become incredibly successful very quickly.
Quick Quiz
After the tech giant's breakthrough in AI, their stock prices shot straight into the ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stratosphere
Related Vocabulary
The layer of air and gases that surrounds the Earth or anoth...
ozoneOzone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere that...
troposphereThe troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmospher...
aerospaceRelating to the design, manufacture, and operation of vehicl...
altitudeAltitude refers to the vertical distance or height of an obj...
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
an
A1An is an indefinite article used before singular countable nouns that begin with a vowel sound. It functions to indicate a non-specific person or thing, similar to the number one.
will
A1A modal verb used to talk about future actions, predictions, or promises. It is placed before the base form of a verb to show that something is going to happen later.
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