Air Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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air
[eər ]
Definitions
breathing
the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
Synonyms
atmosphere, breeze, wind.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| air |
Used to refer generally to the invisible mixture of gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere. It is used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
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| atmosphere |
Applied in a scientific context to describe the layer of gases surrounding a planet, or more generally to describe the mood or feeling of a place.
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| wind |
Describes moving air, ranging from light to strong. It can be used in both everyday and more severe weather contexts. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if the wind is strong or destructive.
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| breeze |
Refers to a gentle wind. It is often used to evoke a pleasant feeling or a calming natural scene.
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Examples of usage
- The air we breathe is essential for our survival.
- The fresh mountain air filled her lungs with vitality.
aviation
the space above the earth's surface in which airplanes travel or the mixture of gases in this space.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| air |
When mentioning broadcasting on radio or television.
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| sky |
Use when describing the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the Earth, or when referring to weather conditions.
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| airspace |
Refer to a specific portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country or needed for aviation regulations.
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| flight |
Use when talking about the act of flying, a journey made by air, or a specific scheduled air travel.
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Examples of usage
- The plane flew through the air at a high speed.
- The pilot adjusted the altitude to avoid turbulence in the air.
expressing
express (an opinion or grievance) publicly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| air |
To allow a room or clothing, etc., to be exposed to fresh air.
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| express |
To convey thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, or art.
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| vent |
To release strong emotions, especially anger or frustration, often by talking loudly or violently; often seen in a negative light.
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| voice |
To articulate opinions, feelings, or demands clearly, particularly in formal or public settings.
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Examples of usage
- She wanted to air her views on the matter.
- He aired his grievances at the meeting.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Air is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with other gases making up the remaining 1%.
- Air pressure is the weight of the air above us, and it decreases with altitude – that's why mountains have thin air and can feel hard to breathe in.
- We can also measure air quality which affects our health; clean air is essential for our well-being!
Cultural Significance
- In many religions, 'breath of life' is symbolic of spirit and soul, indicating the importance of air to existence.
- Air has been used metaphorically in literature to denote freedom and unbounded opportunities, such as in the phrase 'air your grievances'.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'the air is thick with tension' is used in movies and TV shows to describe a charged emotional atmosphere.
- Songs like 'Breathe' and 'Smoke on the Water' feature air as a central theme, illustrating its symbolic importance in music.
History
- The invention of hot air balloons in the 18th century was a major leap in human understanding and use of air for flight.
- In the 19th century, scientists began to study air more seriously, leading to advances in understanding atmospheric chemistry and physics.
Origin of 'air'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'aer', which means 'air' or 'sky'.
- Many ancient cultures, including the Greeks, believed air was one of the four basic elements, alongside earth, water, and fire.
The word 'air' has its origins in Middle English, coming from Old French 'air', based on Latin 'āēr' and Greek 'āēr'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from describing the atmosphere to expressing opinions publicly. The importance of clean air for breathing and the advancements in aviation have further enriched the significance of this word in modern times.
See also: airborne, aircraft, airdrop, airfield, airflow, airfoil, airiness, airing, airline, airman, airplane, airs, airship, airspace, airstrike, airstrip, airtight, airway, airy.