Airy
/ˈɛəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsLight and delicate; seemingly weightless; spacious and well-ventilated.
/ˈɛəri/
Light and delicate; seemingly weightless.
The room was airy and bright.
💡 Simply: Like a feather, light and easy to move.
More Examples
She wore an airy summer dress.
How It's Used
"The airy fabric felt cool against her skin."
"The airy design of the house maximized natural light."
Lacking substance or seriousness; frivolous; unreal.
/ˈɛəri/
Lacking substance or seriousness; frivolous.
Her airy remarks didn't address the serious issue at hand.
💡 Simply: Not serious or real; like a daydream.
More Examples
He had an airy dismissal of the concerns.
How It's Used
"His airy promises proved to be empty words."
From Middle English *airi, from Old English *æþerlic "of or relating to air; ethereal," from *æþer "air, upper atmosphere." Related to the word "air."
The word 'airy' has consistently been used to describe things light and delicate, but its figurative use to describe something unsubstantial or vague has evolved over time.
Memory tip
Imagine a feather – light and airy.
Word Origin
"Of or relating to air; ethereal"