airy

Everyday

1. Full of fresh air and space, light and open. tree →
2. Light and delicate, like air. tree →
3. Not serious, careless, as in an airy wave of the hand. tree →

In the lessons

Used for rooms and houses (a bright, airy classroom), for food (airy bread or mousse), and about manners (an airy reply). Phrases: light and airy, airy-fairy (UK informal: vague and unrealistic).

Examples

• Our new classroom is bright and airy. tree →
• The cake was light and airy. tree →
• She gave an airy wave and walked off. tree →
• Open the windows to make the room airy. tree →
• His plans sound a bit airy-fairy to me. tree →
• The airy tent was cool in the summer heat. tree →
• These loose, airy wool-flowers are very beautiful, and look like fine snowy feathers or down. tree →

Note

Comparative airier, superlative airiest (y to i). "Airy-fairy" is informal UK and Australian for impractical. Do not confuse with "hairy" or "eerie".