Language Research

air · noun

/eər/Full view

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 which surrounds the Earth and which 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 air

C1 on television or radio

Dictionary example:

The radio station is on air from 6.00 a.m.

Learner example:

It is on air at 8.30 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Chinese)

air (QUALITY)

C2 no plural a particular appearance or quality

Dictionary example:

He has an air of authority.

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 If an argument or discussion clears the air, people feel less angry or upset after it.

Dictionary example:

It was an unpleasant argument, but at least it cleared the air.

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)

disappear/vanish 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:

The final suggestion is focused on building a leisure centre. Should this be everything the Town Council has promised, it will bring a breath of fresh air. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)