Airtight
/ˈɛərˌtaɪt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Airtight describes something that is closed very tightly so that air cannot enter or leave. It is often used for containers like jars or bags that keep food fresh by stopping air. It can also describe ideas, plans, or arguments that are very strong and cannot be proven wrong or broken.
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⚡ See It in Action
Completely sealed to stop air from entering or leaving
- •The food was kept in an airtight container to stay fresh.
- •Make sure the bag is airtight before storing it in the fridge.
- •The room was airtight, so no cold air came inside.
Very strong or perfect, especially for plans, arguments, or explanations
- •He made an airtight case that convinced everyone.
- •Their plan was airtight and could not fail.
- •The lawyer presented airtight evidence in court.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "airtight" like "closed," but much stronger—no air can get in or out at all.
- ✓Picture a sealed jar with a lid that fits perfectly, so nothing leaks or smells escape.
- ✓It's the feeling of safety when you know something is completely secure, like a locked box that keeps everything inside safe.
- ✓Sounds like "air-tight" → imagine the air trying to get through but the tight lid stops it completely, like a wall for air.
- ✓Think of a detective story where the case is "airtight"—no mistakes or clues missing, so the solution is sure.
- ✓NOT like "closed" (which can still let air in), "airtight" means no air passes through at all.
- ✓NOT like "leaky" (which lets air or liquid out), "airtight" stops all leaks.
- ✓NOT like "weak argument," an airtight argument is very strong and cannot be easily defeated.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Sealed: closed so nothing gets in or out (Use when talking about containers or packages)
- •Secure: safe and protected (Use when talking about plans or situations that are safe from failure)
- •Tight: fitting closely without space (Use when describing physical things that fit well but not necessarily airproof)
- •Impenetrable: impossible to enter or understand (Use for ideas or arguments that cannot be broken or understood easily)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "air" + "tight" → meaning tightly closed against air
- •Etymology: English compound word combining "air" (the invisible gas around us) and "tight" (firmly closed)
- •Historical development: Used since early 1900s to describe containers that stop air from passing; later used for strong arguments or plans
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for food storage, buildings, and also for strong, flawless explanations or plans
- •Key insight: Combines physical meaning (no air passes) and metaphorical meaning (no mistakes or weaknesses)
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can something be airtight in a physical sense but not in a metaphorical sense? How?
•How does knowing the word airtight help you understand when something is very secure or strong?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The jar was airtight, so no ___ could enter and spoil the food.
2.An airtight argument leaves no room for ___ or doubt.
3.To keep the smell inside, the bag must be ___ closed.
4.Their plan was ___, which means it could not fail or be stopped.
5.Unlike a loose lid, an airtight seal is ___ and does not let air escape.
6.When the room is airtight, it is ___ for air to come in or out.
7.The detective said the evidence was airtight, so the suspect had no ___ to escape blame.