Meaning & use
semitropical
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
Having a warm, humid climate similar to the tropics but located just outside the tropical zone.
Grammar: Can be compared (more semitropical, most semitropical). Usually used before a noun.
Patterns
- semitropical climate
- semitropical region
Florida has a semitropical climate in many areas.
The island's semitropical weather allows for lush vegetation.
They moved to a semitropical zone to grow exotic fruits.
Word forms
| comparative | more semitropical |
|---|---|
| superlative | most semitropical |
Common combinations
- semitropical climate
- The region's semitropical climate attracts tourists in winter.
- semitropical region
- Many semitropical regions are found along the Gulf Coast.
- semitropical plants
- These semitropical plants need plenty of water and warmth.
- semitropical weather
- We enjoyed the semitropical weather during our vacation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- subtropical
- The more common term in everyday and scientific use; semitropical is a less frequent variant.
Opposites
Word family
- tropical adjective
- Relating to the tropics, the hottest part of the world.
- subtropical adjective
- Nearly tropical; another word for semitropical.
Commonly confused: semitropical or subtropical?
semitropical vs subtropical
Subtropical is the standard term; semitropical means the same but is less common.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'semitropical' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Semitropical describes a warm, humid climate just outside the tropics. The other options describe polar or dry climates, which are not semitropical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “semitropical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.