airs
Definition
Noun (plural) Affected manners or behaviors intended to impress others; a display of superiority or false importance.
Usage
The word "airs" is almost always used in the plural form and with a negative connotation. It describes someone behaving in a way that is not natural to them, pretending to be more sophisticated, important, or cultured than they truly are, in order to gain admiration or respect. It implies arrogance and pretentiousness.
Examples
- She started putting on airs after she got the promotion, acting like she was too important to talk to her old colleagues.
- Despite his wealthy background, he never gave himself airs and was always very down-to-earth.
- Don't mind his airs; he's just trying to impress you.
Advanced Usage
- To put on airs: This is the most common collocation. It means to behave in a pretentious or haughty manner.
- Example: Ever since she moved to the city, she's been putting on airs.
- To give oneself airs: A less common but equivalent phrase meaning the same as "to put on airs."
- Example: He gives himself such airs just because he knows a few famous people.
Variants and Related Words
- Air (noun, distinct meaning): The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth; atmosphere. (e.g., )
- Air (verb): To express an opinion or complaint publicly. (e.g., )
- Aired (adjective): Exposed to fresh air. (e.g., )
- Airy (adjective): Spacious, well-ventilated, or light as air; can also mean delicate or insubstantial.
Synonyms
- Pretension
- Affectation
- Haughtiness
- Pomposity
- Superciliousness
Related Idioms
- To put on airs and graces: An extended form of the common idiom, emphasizing exaggeratedly refined behavior.
- Example: With all her airs and graces, you'd think she was royalty.
Noun
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affected manners intended to impress others
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don't put on airs with me
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