air
gb/ˈɛɹ/ us/ˈɛɹ/
A1
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
The gases we breathe
The invisible gas around the Earth that people and animals breathe.
Usage pattern:
the air
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'air' with 'oxygen', but oxygen is only one part of air.
Synonyms
atmosphere (Refers to the layer of gases around a planet; more scientific in tone.)
Antonyms
vacuum (A space completely without matter, including air.)
Collocations
fresh air
|polluted air
|clean air
|warm air
|cold air
Themes
science
|daily life
|environment
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The air was fresh and cool after the rain.
- Factories can release chemicals that pollute the air.
- I opened the window to let some air in.
- The thin air at high altitudes can make breathing difficult.
Learner examples
- We need clean air to live.
- The air is warm today.
- She opened the window for fresh air.
- There is no air in space.
Noun
A2
entity
2
The space above us
The space high above the ground or water.
Usage pattern:
in the air
Synonyms
sky (Refers to what is seen overhead; 'air' here is more about the physical space than appearance.)
Antonyms
ground (The solid surface of the earth, opposite to being in the air.)
Collocations
into the air
|through the air
|high in the air
Themes
daily life
|travel
|space
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The eagle soared high in the air.
- Balloons floated gently through the air.
- The airplane climbed into the air after takeoff.
Learner examples
- Birds can fly in the air.
- The ball went high in the air.
- Planes travel through the air.
Noun
B1
property
3
A manner or feeling given off
A way someone looks or acts that makes you feel something about them.
Usage pattern:
an air of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse this sense with literal 'air' meaning gas; context should clarify.
Synonyms
manner (General way of behaving; less figurative than 'air'.)
Antonyms
lack of presence (Absence of any noticeable quality or impression.)
Collocations
air of confidence
|air of mystery
|air of authority
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She walked into the room with an air of confidence.
- The old house had an air of mystery.
- He spoke with an air of authority.
Learner examples
- She has an air of kindness.
- The park has an air of peace.
- He has an air of sadness.
Verb
A2
action
4
Let fresh air into something
To open windows or doors so that fresh air comes in.
Usage pattern:
to air [a room/clothes]
Synonyms
ventilate (More formal or technical term for allowing fresh air in.)
Antonyms
seal (To close tightly so that no air can enter.)
Collocations
air out a room
|air clothes
Themes
daily life
|housing
|health
|daily_life
Examples
- I need to air out the bedroom after painting it.
- They aired the blankets outside in the sun.
- Please open the windows to air the house.
Learner examples
- I will air my room today.
- She airs her clothes in the sun.
- We need to air the kitchen.
Verb
B2
action
5
Express opinions or feelings openly
To say your thoughts or feelings so that people know them.
Usage pattern:
to air [opinions/grievances]
Synonyms
voice ('Voice' is more common in everyday speech; 'air' can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
suppress (To hold back opinions instead of expressing them.)
Collocations
air a complaint
|air grievances
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He aired his concerns about the new policy at the meeting.
- Residents aired their grievances during the public forum.
- She aired her views on social media.
Learner examples
- He aired his ideas to his friends.
- People aired their problems at the meeting.
- She aired her feelings online.
Grammar
Dictionary form
air
IPA
GB/ˈɛɹ/
US/ˈɛɹ/
Syllables & stress
air (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (air)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: air
- Plural: air, airs
Verb
- Base: air
- 3rd Person Singular: airs
- Present Participle: airing
- Past: aired
Word family
Expressions
clear the air
1/klˈɪɹ ðə ˈɛɹ/
idiom
End tension by talking openly
To talk about problems so people can understand each other and feel better.
Examples
- We had a meeting to clear the air after our argument.
- Talking about it helped clear the air between them.
hot air
1/hˈɑt ˈɛɹ/
idiom
informal
Empty, meaningless talk
Talk that sounds important but means nothing.
Examples
- His promises are just hot air.
- Don't listen to her — it's all hot air.
in the air
1/ˈɪn ðə ˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Something felt but not certain yet
Something that people can feel is happening or will happen, even if it is not sure yet.
Examples
- There was excitement in the air before the concert started.
- Change is in the air at the company.
on the air
1/ˈɔn ðə ˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Being broadcast live now
Being broadcast on TV or radio right now.
Examples
- The show will be on the air at 8 p.m.
- He's been on the air for over twenty years.
up in the air
1/ˈʌp ˈɪn ðə ˈɛɹ/
idiom
Not decided yet; uncertain
Not decided yet and still changing.
Examples
- Our holiday plans are still up in the air.
- The decision is up in the air until next week.