Meaning & use
air
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Meanings
noununcountable
The mix of gases around us that we breathe and that fills the space around the Earth's surface.
Grammar: Normally without an article: fresh air, in the air, not an air.
Patterns
- in the air
- fresh air
- the air in a place
Open the window and let some fresh air into the room.
The air was cold and smelled of pine trees.
Birds rose into the air as the dog ran across the field.
nounsingular
The sky or space above the ground, especially as a route for flying or a way of travelling.
Grammar: Used with the: by air, in the air, on air; it has no plural in this sense.
Patterns
- by air
- into the air
- in the air
The package was sent by air and arrived the next day.
The player threw his cap into the air after the win.
Helicopters hung in the air above the stadium.
nounsingular
A particular look, manner or feeling that a person or place seems to give.
Grammar: Usually appears as an air of something, and an or an is needed.
Patterns
- an air of something
- with an air of something
She entered the room with an air of confidence.
The old house had an air of mystery about it.
He answered with a casual air that fooled nobody.
verbtransitive
To broadcast a program on radio or television, or to say your opinions or complaints openly.
Grammar: Takes an object: the channel will air the final episode; air your views.
Patterns
- air a program
- air your views
- air a grievance
The network will air the final episode next Sunday.
The meeting gave staff a chance to air their concerns.
He aired his complaints on social media.
verbtransitive or intransitive
To let fresh air pass through a room or over clothes so that stale smells go away.
Grammar: With an object (air the room) or without one when clothes air outside.
Patterns
- air something out
- air a room
Open the windows to air the room after painting.
She hung the blankets outside to air.
We aired the tent for a day before packing it away.
Word forms
| third person singular | airs |
|---|---|
| past tense | aired |
| past participle | aired |
| -ing form | airing |
| plural | airs |
Common combinations
- fresh air
- A walk in the fresh air cleared her head.
- air quality
- Air quality is poor in the city on hot days.
- in the air
- There was excitement in the air before the concert.
- an air of calm
- The teacher spoke with an air of calm.
- air your views
- The forum lets residents air their views on the plan.
- on air
- The host was already on air when the guest arrived.
Synonyms and how they differ
- atmosphere
- Atmosphere often means the whole layer of gases around a planet or the mood of a place, while air is the everyday word for what we breathe.
- broadcast
- Broadcast is the general verb for sending programs out, whereas air stresses the moment a show is shown or heard.
- manner
- Manner means how someone behaves, while an air is the impression that manner creates.
- vent
- Vent means to let out strong feelings, usually anger, and is more emotional than the calmer air your views.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: air or heir? air or err?
air vs heir
Heir sounds the same but means a person who inherits money or a title.
air vs err
Err is a verb meaning to make a mistake, and in American English it is often pronounced like air.
Practice
Which sentence uses air to mean a manner or impression?
Choose one answer.
An air of authority is the impression he gave. The cave sentence is the gas we breathe, the channel sentence is the verb meaning to broadcast, and by air means by plane.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “air”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.