airs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Slightly formal, critical; often used in evaluative or disapproving contexts (e.g., social commentary, literary criticism).
Quick answer
What does “airs” mean?
An artificial, affected, or haughty manner intended to impress others, typically involving exaggerated gestures, tone of voice, or superior attitude.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An artificial, affected, or haughty manner intended to impress others, typically involving exaggerated gestures, tone of voice, or superior attitude.
It can also refer to the attitude or pretence of being more important, sophisticated, or cultured than one truly is. Often implies a conscious performance rather than a natural disposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially in the collocation 'airs and graces'. In American English, 'putting on airs' is a fixed phrase, but the standalone use is less frequent.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with class consciousness, social climbing, and affectation. US: Often implies pretentiousness or snobbery, sometimes with a folksy, disapproving tone.
Frequency
Medium-low frequency in both varieties, but with a higher prevalence in UK literature and social discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “airs” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put on + airs[Subject] + give + [Reflexive Pronoun] + airs[Subject] + be + full of + airs[Subject] + drop + [Possessive] + airsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She absolutely loves to air her grievances at the village fete.
- The programme aimed to air the council's dirty laundry.
American English
- The network will air the debate live next Tuesday.
- He aired his concerns during the staff meeting.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for 'airs'. For 'air' as a root: 'The balloon floated airily above the crowd.'
American English
- Not applicable for 'airs'. For 'air' as a root: 'She waved her hand airily, dismissing his concerns.'
adjective
British English
- The air-conditioned lobby provided relief from the heat.
- They checked the air pressure in all the tyres.
American English
- We need an air-tight container for this. (note: 'airtight')
- The air-brake system failed on the lorry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used critically: 'The new manager from headquarters arrived and immediately started putting on airs, refusing to have coffee with the team.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, sociology, or history to discuss class performance and social affectation.
Everyday
Used to criticise someone acting superior: 'Ever since she got that promotion, she's been giving herself such airs.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airs”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airs”
- Using 'air' in the singular (*She has an air of superiority* is correct but different). Confusing with 'heirs' (pronunciation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'An air of mystery/confidence/sadness' is a different, uncountable idiom meaning an impression or atmosphere. The critical, plural 'airs' is a fixed lexical item.
Overwhelmingly yes. It is a term of criticism and mockery. It is rarely, if ever, used neutrally or positively.
Arrogance is a broader, more general sense of superiority. 'Airs' specifically implies that the superiority is being consciously performed or put on; it's an act, not necessarily a deep-seated belief.
Use it with verbs like 'put on', 'give oneself', 'drop', or 'be full of'. Almost always use the plural: 'He puts on airs.' NOT 'He puts on an air.' (which has a different meaning).
An artificial, affected, or haughty manner intended to impress others, typically involving exaggerated gestures, tone of voice, or superior attitude.
Airs is usually slightly formal, critical; often used in evaluative or disapproving contexts (e.g., social commentary, literary criticism). in register.
Airs: in British English it is pronounced /eəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɛrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put on airs (and graces)”
- “give oneself airs”
- “airs and graces”
- “full of airs”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'airs' like 'putting on an air' (a false atmosphere or persona). Someone 'full of air' is insubstantial and puffed up.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTATION IS A LAYER OF FALSE AIR (insubstantial, inflated, separating the person from reality).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'airs and graces' primarily express?