Formal Definition: “the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art”
"Atmosphere." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmosphere. Accessed 5 Sep. 2022.
Informal Definition: A combination of the literary elements used in literature with how a reader feels after reading the piece.
Etymology: “1630s, atmosphaera (modern form from 1670s), "gaseous envelop surrounding the earth," from Modern Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos "vapor, steam" (see atmo-) + sphaira "sphere" (see sphere). In old science, "vaporous air," which was considered a part of the earth and a contamination of the lower part of the air (n.1).”
Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of atmosphere." Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/atmosphere. Accessed 5 September, 2022.