airily
/ˈeərəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈerəli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈer-ə-lē/ (ame, mw)
airily — adverb
1. in a relaxed and carefree way that shows you do not consider something important
in a relaxed and carefree way that shows you do not consider something important enough to worry about or treat seriously
Linnea spoke airily about losing her job, as if it were no big deal.
airily + about [serious topic]
When asked about the broken window, Takuya just shrugged airily and walked away.
shrugged airily — dismissive body language
The director waved airily at the complaints, saying they would resolve themselves.
Aisha airily assured her parents that the exam was nothing to worry about.
- lightly
more neutral in register; airily adds a hint of dismissal
- casually
broader in meaning; airily specifically implies downplaying something important
- flippantly
more negative in tone, suggesting disrespect; airily is softer
用法筆記
Often describes how someone speaks or gestures about a topic that others might consider serious. Frequently pairs with verbs of speaking (said, spoke, told, assured) or dismissive gestures (shrugged, waved).