airtight
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not allowing air or gas to pass in or out: Describes a container, seal, or space that is completely closed, preventing the passage of air or other gases.
- Having no weak points; impossible to disprove or weaken: Describes an argument, alibi, or plan that is so complete and well-constructed that it cannot be faulted or challenged.
Usage and Examples
Literal meaning (sealing out air/gas):
- Store the coffee in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- The submarine's hatch must be airtight to prevent water from entering.
Figurative meaning (having no flaws):
- The lawyer presented an airtight case, leaving no room for doubt.
- We need an airtight plan before we proceed with the project.
Advanced Usage
- "airtight alibi": An alibi that is completely verifiable and impossible to contradict.
- The suspect had an airtight alibi; he was recorded on camera in another city at the time of the crime.
Variants and Related Words
- Hermetic (adj): A more formal synonym for , especially in technical contexts. It can also imply secrecy or being sealed off from external influence.
- The documents were kept in a hermetically sealed vault.
Synonyms
- Sealed: Closed securely.
- Watertight: Often used interchangeably in a figurative sense for arguments or plans, though it literally means impervious to water.
- Foolproof: So simple or well-designed that it cannot fail or be misused.
Antonyms
- Porous: Allowing liquid or air to pass through.
- Leaky: Having holes or cracks that allow substance to pass.
- Flawed: Having defects or weak points.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Locked down tight": An informal phrase meaning extremely secure or without loopholes, similar to the figurative use of .
- The security for the event was locked down tight.
Adjective
- not allowing air or gas to pass in or out
- having no weak points
- an airtight defense
- an airtight argument