in the air
Definition
- Adverb:
- Being discussed or considered by many people; a feeling or idea that is widespread or perceptible: This phrase describes a topic, mood, or sense that is currently prominent in people's thoughts or conversations, or a tangible atmosphere that seems to fill a place.
Usage
- This adverbial phrase is used to indicate that something intangible, like an idea, mood, or anticipation, is currently prevalent or felt by many.
- It often describes a general feeling or topic of discussion that is not confined to one person but is shared within a group or environment.
Examples
- Adverb:
- Change is in the air; everyone is talking about new company policies. (The topic of change is being widely discussed.)
- You could tell romance was in the air from the way they decorated the room. (A romantic feeling was perceptible in the atmosphere.)
- With the election coming, a sense of excitement is in the air. (A feeling of excitement is widespread.)
Advanced Usage
- "to have something hanging in the air": for a question, problem, or feeling to remain unresolved or lingering.
- After the argument, tension was hanging in the air for days. (An unresolved tense feeling persisted.)
- This phrase is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to set a scene or describe a social atmosphere.
Variants and Related Words
- Airborne (adj): carried by or through the air (e.g., ). This is a distinct word referring to physical particles, not a mood.
- Ambient (adj): relating to the immediate surroundings, often used for things like light or sound (e.g., ). It can describe a physical atmosphere but not specifically a shared idea.
Synonyms
- Prevalent: widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
- Ubiquitous: present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Palpable: (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible.
Related Phrases
- In the wind: suggested or rumored to be happening; similar to 'in the air' but often implies secretive knowledge or rumors.
- There are layoffs in the wind. (Rumors of layoffs are circulating.)
- On everyone's lips: being talked about by everyone.
- The scandal was on everyone's lips. (The scandal was the main topic of conversation.)
Related Idioms
- A breath of fresh air: something new and refreshing.
- Her innovative ideas were a breath of fresh air. (This idiom is conceptually different, focusing on newness rather than prevalence.)
Adverb
-
on everybody's mind
-
Christmas was in the air
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "in the air"
