Language Research

air · noun

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air (AIRCRAFT)

A2 U travel in an aircraft

Dictionary examples:

I don't travel much by air.

air travel

Learner example:

I [will] travel there by air. (Key English Test; A2; French)

air (GAS)

A2 U the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that we breathe

Dictionary example:

I went outside to get some fresh air.

Learner example:

There are lots of different kinds of animals, lakes, fresh air and trees. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

the air

B2 the space above and around things

Dictionary example:

He kicked the ball high in the air.

Learner example:

It was an old painting. In it, a man was holding his axe up in the air and was ready to hit a tree. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

on the air

C1 played on television or radio

Dictionary example:

His show is on the air from 11:00 to 11:30 Monday through Thursday.

Learner example:

As you can see, it’s probably the first chance to learn good English on T.V. Another surprising thing is that it's not on the air too late, so you can watch it without oversleeping in the morning. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

air (QUALITY)

C2 no plural a particular appearance or quality

Dictionary example:

He has an air of confidence.

Learner example:

The service is excellent and the atmosphere is quite nice, with an air of elegance. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

clear the air

C2 to get rid of bad feelings between two people or groups

Dictionary examples:

We had a big argument, but I think it helped clear the air.

The meeting Friday will help clear the air and clarify some issues that need to be addressed.

Learner example:

I rushed into the room [to] cheer them up and clear the air, although I knew it was too late. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Turkish)

vanish/disappear into thin air

C2 to suddenly disappear in a mysterious way

Dictionary example:

He was on the path ahead of me and then vanished into thin air.

Learner example:

Sitting on a couch and squeezed between my elderly aunts, I sincerely wished I could vanish into thin air. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

a breath of fresh air

C2 someone or something that is new, different, and exciting

Dictionary example:

Having Eve around has been a breath of fresh air.

Learner example:

Should this be everything the Town Council has promised, it will bring a breath of fresh air for our local youth. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)