air
noun (uncountable)
UK/eə(r)/US/er/
the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth, essential for breathing and sustaining life; can also refer to the atmosphere or the space above a surface
Example Sentences
The air near the ocean often feels fresher than in crowded cities.
They flung open the windows to let fresh air circulate throughout the house.
Crisp autumn air can invigorate the senses, making outdoor walks especially pleasant.
Without clean air, living organisms cannot survive for very long.
After the thunderstorm, the air felt cool and smelled of wet grass.
In many urban areas, air pollution poses a serious threat to public health, leading authorities to impose stricter environmental regulations and emissions standards.
He gasped for air after sprinting up three flights of stairs at top speed.
Modern buildings often use advanced ventilation systems to maintain high-quality indoor air, reducing allergens and contaminants for occupants.
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verb (transitive)
UK/eə(r)/US/er/
to expose something to fresh air; to broadcast, or to make public; to express an opinion openly
Example Sentences
We should air the room after painting to clear out the fumes.
The channel plans to air a new documentary series next Monday evening.
He decided to air his grievances during the town hall meeting.
It's vital to air out camping gear before storing it away for the season.
The network refused to air the controversial interview, citing legal concerns.
She aired her frustrations in a lengthy blog post, detailing the challenges she faced when starting her own business.
When you air personal opinions online, be prepared for both supportive feedback and strong criticism from others.
They were given a chance to air their concerns during the public forum, fostering more transparency and trust between community members and local officials.
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How to Use
The invisible gas we breathe or the act of publicly expressing or broadcasting.Use “air” to refer to the natural, invisible mixture of gases around us—essential for breathing and life on Earth. In a figurative sense, “to air” something can mean to expose it openly: you might air laundry outside so it dries and freshens, or air concerns to bring them out into the open. In media, “air” is common for broadcasting: a radio station airs music or a TV network airs a show, informing listeners or viewers of scheduled content. In everyday conversation, you might say, “I need to air my grievances,” meaning you wish to express problems publicly or at least openly. When writing about environmental or scientific topics, “air” often appears in contexts like air quality and pollution. Meanwhile, in casual speech, it might emerge in expressions like “getting some fresh air,” suggesting a break outside for a short stroll or breather. Pay attention to context: “airing thoughts” or “airing out a room” differ significantly from “airing a live broadcast.” By clarifying these connotations, you ensure that your usage of “air” accurately reflects whether you’re discussing oxygen, openness, or mass media transmission.
Alternatives
When discussing the invisible gases we breathe, synonyms like “atmosphere” or “oxygen” may be helpful, though “oxygen” specifies only one primary component, whereas “air” includes nitrogen and other gases. If you’re talking about airing concerns, you can use “express,” “voice,” or “bring up.” For broadcasting, “broadcast” or “transmit” can substitute, indicating the act of sending out a program or signal. “Ventilate” conveys the idea of introducing fresh air into a space—often used about rooms or enclosed areas—while “vent” emphasizes releasing internal feelings, similar to airing grievances. Each alternative targets a specific shade of meaning: “atmosphere” highlights the broader environmental context, “vent” leans toward emotional relief, and “transmit” or “broadcast” fits mass communication. Selecting the right term keeps your language precise, making it clear whether you’re talking about fresh air, open expression, or media delivery.
Writing
In writing, “air” can appear in diverse contexts, so specify which dimension you mean. If you’re describing a scene, you might note the crisp morning air to evoke mood and setting. An article on health or the environment could explore air pollution, discussing its sources and effects on public health. For social or interpersonal topics, “airing disagreements” or “airing grievances” highlights transparent communication and conflict resolution. In journalism or reviews, you might mention a show’s airing schedule, giving readers details about when and where they can tune in. Meanwhile, creative writing often uses “air” metaphorically—like describing a regal character who carries an air of authority. Mixing descriptive language with factual details (like the chemical composition of the air or the emotional nuance of airing personal issues) enriches your text, offering readers a comprehensive sense of what “air” entails. Whether you’re addressing science, atmosphere, communications, or personal expression, place “air” in a well-defined context so readers grasp exactly how you’re applying it.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “air” usually pertains to breathing or briefly stepping outside: “I’m stepping out for some fresh air.” If you want someone to let sunshine and breezes into a room, you might say, “Could you air out the living room?” indicating a desire to remove stale odors or stuffy air. Friends talking about personal issues might joke, “Let’s air our dirty laundry,” playfully suggesting they’ll openly discuss embarrassing or private matters. When you reference radio or TV, you might say, “That show airs on Tuesdays,” telling others the standard broadcast day. Such casual use places emphasis on clarity and brevity, requiring no elaborate explanation—people instantly understand you mean either the environment, open discussion, or a broadcast schedule. With family or friends, the phrase “to air something out” also suggests releasing built-up tension or concerns. Overall, using “air” casually is straightforward and easy, as most people readily interpret whether you’re referring to the natural element or the concept of open expression. Just pair it with a concise clue—like “out” for ventilation or “on TV” for broadcasting—to keep things clear and natural.
Etymology
The word “air” comes from the Old French “air,” which in turn derives from the Latin “aer” and the Greek “aēr,” meaning “the lower atmosphere.” Historically, “air” was considered one of the four classical elements, alongside earth, fire, and water. Early thinkers regarded it as the fundamental breath of life and a medium for sound and weather phenomena. Over centuries, its usage expanded to cover diverse meanings: referring to everything from musical airs (melodies) to intangible qualities—like having ‘an air of confidence.’ In modern contexts, it has branched further to denote broadcasting—shows that ‘air’ on radio or TV, reflecting the technological harnessing of electromagnetic waves through, and beyond, the literal air. This broad evolution—from ancient philosophical concept to everyday term for open expression—captures how language adapts to scientific understanding and cultural practices. Whether you’re referencing the breath we rely on, an attitude someone exudes, or a mass-media broadcast, “air” remains rooted in its elemental sense of something that moves freely and sustains life.