New Words 213

air, noun, /ɛr/

5 APPEARANCE if something or someone has an air of confidence, mystery etc, they seem confident, mysterious etc.

air of

She had an air of quiet confidence.

She looked at him with a determined air.

6 be up in the air if something is up in the air, no decision has been made about it yet.

Our trip is still very much up in the air.

7 be on/off (the) air to be broadcasting on the radio or television at the present moment, or to stop broadcasting.

We’ll be on air in three minutes.

8 MUSIC a simple tune, often used in the title of a piece of classical music.

9 airs [plural] a way of behaving that shows someone thinks they are more important than they really are.

put on airs/give yourself airs

Trudy is always putting on airs.

an actor with no airs and graces.

10 be walking/floating on airto feel very happy.

GRAMMAR: Patterns with air

in the air

• You say that something is in the air:

· The plane was in the air.

· Put your hands in the air!

✗Don’t say: The plane was on the air.

into the air

• You say that something goes up into the air:

· The plane went up into the air.

on the air

• You say that a TV or radio programme is on the air or on air (=it is broadcast):

· The show has been on the air for over 30 years.

air, verb, /ɛr/

1 OPINION to express your opinions publicly. ► say.

air your views/grievances/complaints etc

Staff will get a chance to ask questions and air their views.

2 TV/RADIO to broadcast a programme on television or radio.

KPBS airs such popular children’s programs as ‘Barney’ and ‘Sesame Street’.

The program is due to air next month.

3 ROOM (British English),air something out(American English) to let fresh air into a room, especially one that has been closed for a long time

4 CLOTHES (especially British English),air (something) out(American English) to put a piece of clothing in a place that is warm or has a lot of air, so that it smells clean.

I’ve left my sweater outside to air.