Plural of ambiance; the characteristic mood, feel, or atmosphere of a place or environment.
From French 'ambiance' (from 'ambiant' meaning 'surrounding'), itself from Latin 'ambiens' (present participle of 'ambire' meaning 'to go around').
The word 'ambiance' entered English from French in the early 20th century—before that, English speakers said 'atmosphere,' but ambiance caught on because it feels more sophisticated and specific to spaces designed for mood.
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