assuming airs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assuming airs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is behaving in a superior or pretentious manner, often as if they are more important than others. Example: "Ever since he got that promotion, he's been assuming airs and looking down on his former colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assuming air at atmospheric pressure at the feeding angle and ignoring airflow through the gap, predictions of air pressure as a function of the rolling angle for bentonite material powder are presented and discussed.

Chemical Engineering Science

A renormalized group kinetic energy-dissipation (RNG κ-ε) turbulence model, assuming air as an ideal gas and reference pressure of 1 atmosphere, was used because of the model's reasonable accuracy and low computational cost [16].

Plosone

A radius of five miles was used to balance the need for a large sample size with an effort to reduce exposure misclassification assuming air pollution exposures for women living farther from a station are less well characterized.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

A 5-mile radius was used to balance the need for a large sample size with an effort to reduce exposure misclassification, assuming air pollution measurements best represent exposures for women living closer to stations.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Similar insults were meted out to anyone who assumed airs and graces, encountered a windfall or got too big for their leather sandals.

The Guardian

His petitions to Washington to fly coast to coast for less than $100 proved a continuing source of embarrassment for established airlines, and an eye-opener for consumers who assumed air travel would always be a luxury.

The New York Times

For our scenario analysis we assumed air-dried timber with a water-content of 15%% and a caloric value of 4.33 kWh per kg.

Carbon Balance and Management

However, rather than distinguishing "mine air" from "surface air" and assuming "surface air" does not change with time over the period of operation of a mine, it seems to us that it would be at least as reasonable to assume surface dieselization followed about the same trend as underground dieselization.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

Julian is someone who feels things very deeply, but who grapples with those feelings by going on automatic pilot, by assuming an air of ironic detachment and sophisticated disdain.

The New York Times - Books

Briefly, the transmission of CHIKV is simulated in a human population of approximately 4,000 individuals, mimicking the epidemiological conditions observed during the 2007 Italian outbreak, assuming both air and water temperature experienced in that favorable season.

Nature

Thirdly, it refers to the turbine's power curve to calculate its power output at that wind speed assuming standard air density.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assuming airs", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the tone and voice of your writing. It often implies a negative judgment, so be mindful of the message you're conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "assuming airs" to describe someone who is genuinely confident or competent. The phrase carries a connotation of insincerity and pretentiousness, so it's inappropriate for depicting authentic self-assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assuming airs" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a subject (person or entity). It highlights a specific type of behavior characterized by pretentiousness or superiority. Because Ludwig doesn't have examples, we can't provide further context but the structure suggests a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assuming airs" describes someone behaving pretentiously, trying to appear superior or more sophisticated than they truly are. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, its usage is uncommon and often carries a negative connotation, expressing disapproval. Related phrases like "putting on airs" or "acting superior" offer similar expressions of this behavior. When using "assuming airs", ensure the context aligns with your intent to criticize or satirize artificial behavior, distinguishing it from genuine confidence. Without examples, this analysis is difficult.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Putting on airs

Similar meaning, focusing on the act of pretending to be superior.

Acting superior

Describes the behavior of feeling or acting like one is better than others.

Adopting a pretentious manner

Highlights the deliberate nature of the behavior, suggesting artificiality.

Affecting an air of superiority

Focuses on the artificial and deliberate display of dominance or higher status.

Putting on a superior attitude

Similar to "acting superior", but emphasizes the mindset behind the behavior.

Assuming a haughty demeanor

Focuses on the proud and disdainful outward appearance.

Giving oneself airs

Emphasizes the self-centeredness of the behavior.

Behaving pretentiously

Highlights the artificial and showy nature of the behavior.

Thinking highly of oneself

Describes the internal belief that one is superior, which can lead to "assuming airs".

Looking down one's nose at others

Focuses on the condescending and dismissive attitude towards others.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "assuming airs"?

When someone is described as "assuming airs", it means they are behaving in a pretentious or superior manner, often to appear more important or sophisticated than they really are.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone who is "assuming airs"?

You can use alternatives like "putting on airs", "acting superior", or "adopting a pretentious manner" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use the phrase "assuming airs" in a sentence?

You could say, "Ever since he got promoted, he's been "assuming airs" and treating everyone else like they're beneath him." It suggests he's behaving pretentiously due to his new position.

What is the difference between "assuming airs" and simply being confident?

"Assuming airs" implies insincerity and a desire to appear better than one is, while genuine confidence is based on real abilities and self-assurance without the need for pretense.