air

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The mixture of gases we breathe and that surrounds the Earth.

   She took a deep breath of fresh air.

2. 2
   noun

   The space above the ground.

   I caught the ball in the air.

3. 3
   noun

   A particular quality or feeling that someone or something seems to have.

   There was an air of mystery about the old house.

4. 4
   verb

   To broadcast a programme on television or radio.

   The show airs every weeknight at nine.

5. 5
   verb

   To make your opinions or feelings publicly known.

   They aired their views on the controversial plan.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Air entered Middle English through Old French and Latin from Greek aēr, referring to the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth. Its senses of an impression or manner, including the condescending manner in give oneself airs, follow a French development that added the meaning “appearance.”

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ews- Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewsér Proto-Hellenic *auhḗr Ancient Greek ᾱ̓ήρ (āḗr)bor. Latin āēr Old French airbor. Middle English aire English air From Middle English aire, from Old French air, from Latin āēr, from Ancient Greek ἀήρ (aḗr). Displaced native Old English lyft. More at lift, loft.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary