Air vs. Airs — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Air" refers to the invisible, odorless gas we breathe, whereas "airs" denotes an affected manner or pretentiousness.
Difference Between Air and Airs
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Air, composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, is essential for life on Earth, supporting respiration in humans and animals, and photosynthesis in plants. It's also involved in weather phenomena and climate. "Airs," in contrast, is used figuratively to describe a person's attitude or behavior that is artificial or designed to impress; it's often associated with a sense of superiority or snobbery.
While "air" encompasses a broad range of meanings beyond its physical composition, including a sense of ambiance or a melody, "airs" specifically relates to human behavior and social interactions. The term "air" can be used in various contexts, from science to music, but "airs" is typically confined to describing pretentious attitudes.
The difference between the two terms also extends to their usage in expressions. For example, "clear the air" signifies resolving tension or misunderstanding, and "in the air" can mean something is uncertain or feeling widespread. On the other hand, "putting on airs" specifically means behaving pretentiously.
"Air" functions in numerous compound terms and phrases, reflecting its importance in diverse fields such as "air quality," "air pressure," and "air guitar." Conversely, "airs" does not commonly appear in technical or scientific contexts, maintaining a narrower usage focused on social demeanor.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The invisible gas we breathe, essential for life
An affected manner or pretentiousness
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Primary Context
Environmental, scientific, musical
Social, behavioral
Usage Examples
"Fresh air," "air pollution," "air guitar"
"Putting on airs," "giving oneself airs"
Associated Terms
"Air quality," "airflow," "melody"
"Pretension," "snobbery," "haughtiness"
Expressions
"Up in the air," "clear the air"
"Putting on airs"
Compare with Definitions
Air
Essential for respiration.
Plants produce the oxygen in the air we breathe.
Airs
Behaving as if superior.
He put on airs after getting the promotion, acting as though he was better than his colleagues.
Air
The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
The air becomes thinner at higher altitudes.
Airs
Assuming an air of superiority.
They walked into the room with airs that suggested they thought they were above everyone else.
Air
Movement of air.
The room needs some air; it's getting stuffy.
Airs
Artificial or unnatural behavior.
She gave herself airs at the party, speaking in a contrived accent.
Air
A tune or song.
The musician played a soothing air on her flute.
Airs
Arrogance or disdain toward others.
Despite his wealth, he never put on airs and treated everyone with respect.
Air
A feeling or mood.
There was a tense air in the room during the meeting.
Airs
Ostentatious display of refinement.
At the gala, some guests put on airs, flaunting their designer attire and expensive jewelry.
Air
The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
Airs
A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) and oxygen (approximately 21 percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases.
Air
An impression of a quality or manner given by someone or something
He leaned over with a confidential air
She answered with a faint air of boredom
Airs
This mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere.
Air
A tune or short melodious song
Traditional Scottish airs sung in the Gaelic tongue
Airs
The sky; the firmament.
Air
A jump off the ground on a snowboard or skateboard.
Airs
A giant void; nothingness
The money vanished into thin air.
Air
Express (an opinion or grievance) publicly
A meeting in which long-standing grievances were aired
Airs
An atmospheric movement; a breeze or wind.
Air
Expose (a room) to the open air in order to ventilate it
The window sashes were lifted regularly to air the room
Airs
(Sports) A height achieved by a jump or as part of an airborne maneuver, as in skateboarding or snowboarding
Getting big air off the halfpipe.
Had big airs on every run down the course.
Air
A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) and oxygen (approximately 21 percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases.
Airs
Aircraft
Send troops to Europe by air.
Air
This mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere.
Airs
Public utterance; vent
Gave air to their grievances.
Air
The sky; the firmament.
Airs
The medium of broadcast radio or television
"often ridiculed ... extremist groups on air" (Christian Science Monitor).
Air
A giant void; nothingness
The money vanished into thin air.
Airs
A manner of behaving that conveys an impression
A leader with an air of conviction.
Air
An atmospheric movement; a breeze or wind.
Airs
A distinctive quality or appearance; an aura
The messy room had an air of desperation to it.
Air
(Sports) A height achieved by a jump or as part of an airborne maneuver, as in skateboarding or snowboarding
Getting big air off the halfpipe.
Had big airs on every run down the course.
Airs
The general environment or condition, as in attitudes and ideas
Growing impatience in the air.
Air
Aircraft
Send troops to Europe by air.
Airs
Airs Affected behavior; affectation
Put on airs.
Air
Public utterance; vent
Gave air to their grievances.
Airs
A melody or tune, especially in the soprano or tenor range.
Air
The medium of broadcast radio or television
"often ridiculed ... extremist groups on air" (Christian Science Monitor).
Airs
A solo with or without accompaniment.
Air
A manner of behaving that conveys an impression
A leader with an air of conviction.
Airs
Air conditioning.
Air
A distinctive quality or appearance; an aura
The messy room had an air of desperation to it.
Airs
(Archaic) Breath.
Air
The general environment or condition, as in attitudes and ideas
Growing impatience in the air.
Airs
To expose to the air in order to dry, cool, or freshen; ventilate.
Air
Airs Affected behavior; affectation
Put on airs.
Airs
To make known to others; express publicly
Aired my complaints.
Air
A melody or tune, especially in the soprano or tenor range.
Airs
To broadcast on television or radio
"The ad was submitted to CBS ... which accepted and aired it" (New York).
Air
A solo with or without accompaniment.
Airs
To be broadcast on television or radio
"tidbits that will air on tonight's 6 o'clock news" (Terry Ann Knopf).
Air
Air conditioning.
Airs
Of or relating to the air or the movement of air
An air tube.
Air
(Archaic) Breath.
Airs
Existing or living in the air; aerial.
Air
To expose to the air in order to dry, cool, or freshen; ventilate.
Airs
Powered by compressed air
An air horn.
Air
To make known to others; express publicly
Aired my complaints.
Airs
Containing or inflated by air.
Air
To broadcast on television or radio
"The ad was submitted to CBS ... which accepted and aired it" (New York).
Airs
Of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics.
Air
To be broadcast on television or radio
"tidbits that will air on tonight's 6 o'clock news" (Terry Ann Knopf).
Airs
Of or relating to the broadcast or transmission of radio or television signals.
Air
Of or relating to the air or the movement of air
An air tube.
Airs
Imaginary or unreal
"The guy had just hit it big ... after ten years of eating air sandwiches" (Jonathan Kellerman).
Air
Existing or living in the air; aerial.
Airs
Plural of air
Air
Powered by compressed air
An air horn.
Airs
An affected manner intended to impress others.
Air
Containing or inflated by air.
Airs
Affected manners intended to impress others;
Don't put on airs with me
Air
Of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics.
Air
Of or relating to the broadcast or transmission of radio or television signals.
Air
Imaginary or unreal
"The guy had just hit it big ... after ten years of eating air sandwiches" (Jonathan Kellerman).
Air
The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere, particularly:
I'm going outside to get some air.
The air on Mars is so thin that high and low temperatures on the day differ a lot.
Air
Understood as one of the four elements of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Air
Understood as a particular local substance with supposed effects on human health.
There was a tension in the air which made me suspect an approaching storm.
Air
(physics) understood as a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
Air
The apparently open space above the ground which this substance fills, (historical) formerly thought to be limited by the firmament but (meteorology) now considered to be surrounded by the near vacuum of outer space.
The flock of birds took to the air.
Air
A breeze; a gentle wind.
Air
A feeling or sense.
To give it an air of artistry and sophistication
Air
A sense of poise, graciousness, or quality.
Air
Pretension; snobbishness; pretence that one is better than others.
Putting on airs
Air
(music) A song, especially a solo; an aria.
Air
(informal) Nothing; absence of anything.
Air
An air conditioner or the processed air it produces.
Could you turn on the air?
Hey, did you mean to leave the airs on all week while you were on vacation?
Air
Any specific gas.
Air
A jump in which one becomes airborne.
Air
A television or radio signal; (by extension) media broadcasts in general.
Air
(uncountable) Publicity.
Air
To bring (something) into contact with the air, so as to freshen or dry it.
Air
To let fresh air into a room or a building, to ventilate.
It's getting quite stuffy in this room: let's open the windows and air it.
Air
To discuss varying viewpoints on a given topic.
Air
(transitive) To broadcast (a television show etc.).
Air
(intransitive) To be broadcast.
This game show first aired in the 1990s and is still going today.
Air
To ignore (a person).
Why is this girl airing me?
Air
The fluid which we breathe, and which surrounds the earth; the atmosphere. It is invisible, inodorous, insipid, transparent, compressible, elastic, and ponderable.
Air
Symbolically: Something unsubstantial, light, or volatile.
He was still all air and fire.
Air
A particular state of the atmosphere, as respects heat, cold, moisture, etc., or as affecting the sensations; as, a smoky air, a damp air, the morning air, etc.
Air
Any aëriform body; a gas; as, oxygen was formerly called vital air.
Air
Air in motion; a light breeze; a gentle wind.
Let vernal airs through trembling osiers play.
Air
Odoriferous or contaminated air.
Air
That which surrounds and influences.
The keen, the wholesome air of poverty.
Air
Utterance abroad; publicity; vent.
You gave it air before me.
Air
Intelligence; information.
Air
A musical idea, or motive, rhythmically developed in consecutive single tones, so as to form a symmetrical and balanced whole, which may be sung by a single voice to the stanzas of a hymn or song, or even to plain prose, or played upon an instrument; a melody; a tune; an aria.
Air
The peculiar look, appearance, and bearing of a person; mien; demeanor; as, the air of a youth; a heavy air; a lofty air.
Air
Peculiar appearance; apparent character; semblance; manner; style.
It was communicated with the air of a secret.
Air
An artificial or affected manner; show of pride or vanity; haughtiness; as, it is said of a person, he puts on airs.
Air
The representation or reproduction of the effect of the atmospheric medium through which every object in nature is viewed.
Air
The artificial motion or carriage of a horse.
Air
To expose to the air for the purpose of cooling, refreshing, or purifying; to ventilate; as, to air a room.
It were good wisdom . . . that the jail were aired.
Were you but riding forth to air yourself.
Air
To expose for the sake of public notice; to display ostentatiously; as, to air one's opinion.
Airing a snowy hand and signet gem.
Air
To expose to heat, for the purpose of expelling dampness, or of warming; as, to air linen; to air liquors.
Air
A mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of;
Air pollution
A smell of chemicals in the air
Open a window and let in some air
I need some fresh air
Air
Travel via aircraft;
Air travel involves too much waiting in airports
If you've time to spare go by air
Air
The region above the ground;
Her hand stopped in mid air
He threw the ball into the air
Air
Medium for radio and television broadcasting;
The program was on the air from 9 til midnight
The president used the airwaves to take his message to the people
Air
A slight wind (usually refreshing);
The breeze was cooled by the lake
As he waited he could feel the air on his neck
Air
A distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing;
An air of mystery
The house had a neglected air
An atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate's headquarters
The place had an aura of romance
Air
The mass of air surrounding the Earth;
There was great heat as the comet entered the atmosphere
It was exposed to the air
Air
A succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence;
She was humming an air from Beethoven
Air
Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Air
Expose to fresh air;
Aerate your old sneakers
Air
Be broadcast;
This show will air Saturdays at 2 P.M.
Air
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
Air
Make public;
She aired her opinions on welfare
Air
Expose to warm or heated air, so as to dry;
Air linen
Air
Expose to cool or cold air so as to cool or freshen;
Air the old winter clothes
Air out the smoke-filled rooms
Air
Relating to or characteristic of or occurring in the air;
Air war
Air safety
Air travel
Sea stories
Sea smells
Sea traffic
Common Curiosities
How does "air" relate to music?
In music, "air" refers to a simple melody or tune, often lyrical or song-like in character.
Is "airs" always used negatively?
Typically, yes; it suggests insincerity or pretension, though it can be used humorously or lightly in some contexts.
Can "airs" be used in a positive sense?
It's uncommon, as "airs" usually implies affectation or superiority, but context can sometimes render it less critical.
How do "air" and "airs" relate to social interactions?
"Air" can describe the general feel of social situations, while "airs" specifically refers to how individuals might behave pretentiously within those contexts.
Can "airs" be recognized in non-verbal behavior?
Yes, "airs" can be conveyed through non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and even fashion choices, reflecting a pretentious or haughty demeanor.
Is there a historical context to the use of "airs"?
Historically, "putting on airs" was often associated with individuals attempting to rise above their social class or mimic the aristocracy, reflecting social mobility and class consciousness.
Can "air" refer to a feeling or mood?
Yes, "air" can convey a feeling or ambiance in a place or situation, e.g., an air of mystery.
What role does air play in weather and climate?
Air, particularly its movement and moisture content, is fundamental in weather phenomena like wind, rain, and temperature variations, influencing climate patterns globally.
How does air quality affect health?
Poor air quality, characterized by pollutants like smog and particulate matter, can lead to respiratory issues, heart disease, and other health problems.
How is air involved in sound transmission?
Air acts as a medium for sound waves to travel, allowing us to hear sounds; variations in air pressure transmit sound from the source to our ears.
What is the significance of "clearing the air" in relationships?
"Clearing the air" involves addressing and resolving misunderstandings or tensions, fostering open communication and healthier relationships.
How does altitude affect air density and breathing?
At higher altitudes, air density decreases, leading to less oxygen availability, which can affect breathing and necessitate acclimatization.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
