air

airnoun

Air is the gas that living things breathe, the open space above the ground, travel by plane, or the general appearance that someone or something gives.

1. gasthe mixture of gases around the earth that people, animals, and plants need to breathe

   uncountable [U]

   • Open a window and let some fresh air in.
   • The air in the city is often polluted.
   • Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air.
   • We stepped outside to get some air.

   Collocations

   adjective + noun fresh air, clean air, polluted air, cold air

   verb + noun breathe air, get some air, let air in

2. open spacethe open space above the ground and around things

   uncountable [U]

   • The bird flew up into the air.
   • She threw the ball high into the air.
   • Leaves drifted slowly through the air.

   Collocations

   preposition + noun in the air, into the air, through the air

3. air traveltravel in a plane

   uncountable [U] often before another noun [before noun] transport

   • It's faster to travel by air than by train.
   • Air travel has become much cheaper in recent years.
   • The airport controls all air traffic in the area.

   Collocations

   noun + noun air travel, air traffic, airfare

   preposition + noun by air

4. mannerthe general appearance or manner that someone or something has

   countable [C] usually singular [usu sing]

   • She walked in with an air of confidence.
   • There was an air of mystery about the old house.
   • He answered every question with an air of calm.

   Collocations

   noun + preposition an air of confidence, an air of mystery, an air of calm

   Synonyms manner