air of respectability

USAGE SUMMARY

"air of respectability" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe an outward appearance or impression of being respectable or honorable. Example: Despite his shady past, the politician maintained an air of respectability in public, always dressed in a tailored suit and speaking eloquently about his plans for the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

These days, the show has won an air of respectability.

The New York Times

Some courtesans, Lillie Langtry for example, reached the highest echelons of society and even managed to retain an air of respectability.

Independent

Although that consistency was far more suspect than his returns, given the volatility of financial markets, the reasonable-sounding profits gave his operation an air of respectability.

The New Yorker

For the screen personalities he has garbed, Mr. Armani is a magician who confers on them an air of respectability, with a subtly risque edge.

The New York Times - Style

The poet and doctor William Carlos Williams contributed a short preface, lending the collection an air of respectability, but no mainstream publisher would have touched it.

The Guardian - Books

But the product had an air of respectability, having been sold through the China Construction Bank, the country's second-biggest lender and, like almost all Chinese banks, state-owned.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There is a general fear that allowing the BNP to air its toxic views will increase Islamophobia and give the BNP the aura of respectability needed to spread its message of hate".

Wikipedia

Among professionals, though, "it doesn't have an aura of respectability around it," Morton said.

Los Angeles Times

There's much in "Clouds of Sils Maria" that comes ready-made for scorn, not least its over-all air of pompous respectability.

The New Yorker

Nazi efforts to purify the German race gained an air of scientific respectability from the pseudoscience of eugenics, the racial hygiene movement that flourished widely in the early decades of the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the sharpshooting main attraction in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Oakley (1860-1926) thened the image of American womanhood on its head with her dead-on aim — while maintaining an air of Victorian respectability.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of respectability" to describe how someone or something is perceived by others, especially when they are trying to project a positive image. For example, a company might cultivate "an air of respectability" through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Common error

Avoid using "air of respectability" to describe someone's true character or inherent qualities. The phrase implies a projected image, not necessarily genuine virtue. Instead of saying 'He had an air of respectability because he was honest', say 'He projected an air of respectability through his actions'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of respectability" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and provides real-world examples. It describes the quality or impression of being respectable or honorable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of respectability" is a noun phrase that describes the quality or impression of being respectable. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is often used to describe an outward appearance or impression of being respectable or honorable. The analysis of sources indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. It's important to note that the phrase doesn't necessarily imply genuine virtue, but rather a projected image. Considering its common errors is essential, for example avoid using "air of respectability" to describe someone's true character. Alternatives like "veneer of respectability", "semblance of dignity" or "aura of repute" can offer nuanced variations in meaning depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veneer of respectability

Focuses on a superficial appearance, implying a deceptive or insincere quality.

semblance of dignity

Highlights the outward show of composure and honor, particularly in difficult circumstances.

aura of repute

Emphasizes the positive reputation surrounding something or someone.

facade of morality

Implies a deceptive outward appearance of being moral or ethical.

guise of honor

Suggests a deceptive or misleading appearance of being honorable.

impression of uprightness

Focuses on the perception of someone being morally correct or virtuous.

display of decorum

Highlights the observable behavior and etiquette that suggest respectability.

image of integrity

Focuses on the perception of someone as honest and having strong moral principles.

show of propriety

Emphasizes adherence to socially accepted standards of behavior and manners.

appearance of legitimacy

Implies that something appears to be lawful or acceptable, even if it may not be.

FAQs

How can I use "air of respectability" in a sentence?

You can use "air of respectability" to describe a quality or characteristic that lends someone or something an appearance of being honorable or reputable. For instance: 'The lawyer's professional demeanor gave the case an "air of respectability"'.

What are some alternatives to "air of respectability"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "veneer of respectability", "semblance of dignity", or "aura of repute" to convey similar meanings.

Is "air of respectability" the same as "aura of respectability"?

While similar, "air" suggests a more superficial or projected quality, whereas "aura of respectability" implies a more pervasive and inherent quality. The "aura of respectability" suggests something that surrounds and emanates from a person or thing.

How does context affect the use of "air of respectability"?

The phrase is often used when discussing appearances, perceptions, and the outward presentation of an individual or organization. It can imply a desire to be seen as reputable, even if the reality is different, so consider whether you intend to convey sincerity or superficiality.