airs

[erz]

airs Definition

• 1. an affected or haughty manner
• 2. pretentious behavior

Using airs: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "airs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She put on airs and acted like she was better than everyone else.

• Example

  He has no time for people who give themselves airs.

• Example

  The new manager's airs made him unpopular with the staff.

airs Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for airs

• pretension
• arrogance
• haughtiness
• conceit
• snobbery

Antonyms for airs

• modesty
• humility

Phrases with airs

• give oneself airs

  to behave in an affected or pretentious way

  Example

  She gives herself airs and graces, pretending to be someone she's not.

• put on airs

  to behave in a way that shows one thinks they are superior to others

  Example

  He puts on airs and acts like he's better than everyone else.

• take airs

  to behave in a way that shows one thinks they are superior to others

  Example

  She takes airs and graces, pretending to be someone she's not.

Origins of airs

from Old French 'air', meaning 'look, appearance'

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Summary: airs in Brief

'Airs' [erz] refers to affected or pretentious behavior, often characterized by haughtiness or conceit. It is exemplified by phrases like 'put on airs,' 'give oneself airs,' and 'take airs.' 'Airs' can be used to describe someone who behaves in an affected or snobbish way, as in 'She put on airs and acted like she was better than everyone else.'