Word
gaseous
US/ˈɡæsiəs/
UK/ɡˈeɪsiəs/
Definitions
01existing as a gas
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. being in the form of a gas, like air or steam, instead of being solid or liquid.
adj. existing in or relating to the state of matter characterized by low density and high compressibility.
“Jupiter is a giant planet made mostly of gaseous hydrogen and helium.”
“The experiment required the scientists to monitor the gaseous emissions from the chemical reaction to ensure no toxic fumes escaped the lab.”
Usage
Often used in scientific contexts to describe the physical state of a substance.
Synonyms
02lacking substance
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. describes an idea or a piece of writing that has no real meaning or strength.
adj. lacking substance, solidity, or depth; tenuous or empty in nature.
“The politician gave a gaseous speech that sounded good but said very little.”
“Critics dismissed the novel as a gaseous collection of metaphors that failed to ground its characters in any recognizable reality.”
Teaching tip
This figurative sense is much less common than the scientific one and is usually found in formal or literary critiques.
Antonyms
Etymology
From gas + -eous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gaseous