armchair
armchair
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling
/ˈɑːrmˌtʃɛər/ (General American) or /ˈɑːmˌtʃɛə/ (Received Pronunciation)
arm - /ˈɑːrm/ (as in "farm" with 'r' - General American) or /ˈɑːm/ (as in "palm" - Received Pronunciation, primary stress)
chair - /ˌtʃɛər/ (as in "chair" with 'r' - General American, secondary stress) or /ˌtʃɛə/ (as in "chair" - Received Pronunciation)
Word Form Variations
Armchair" primarily functions as a noun. It can also be used attributively as an adjective.
Noun:
Singular: armchair
Plural: armchairs
Adjective: (attributive use)
armchair (e.g., "armchair critic," "armchair traveler")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A comfortable, upholstered chair with supports for the arms.
Synonyms: easy chair, fauteuil, recliner, lounge chair, wingback
Antonyms: stool, bench, hard chair, folding chair
Adjective (Attributive Use)
Characterized by engaging in an activity or having knowledge of it without having practical experience; theoretical rather than practical.
Example: "He's an armchair expert, always commenting but never doing."
Synonyms: theoretical, speculative, vicarious, amateur, dabbling
Antonyms: practical, hands-on, experienced, active, engaged
Examples of Use
Books:
"The true test of a philosopher is not in his grand theories but in his ability to apply them to everyday life; an armchair philosopher often misses this crucial point." (A common literary observation, reflecting the contrast between theory and practice, often found in works discussing philosophy.)
Newspapers:
"Local sports columnist criticized for being an 'armchair general' after offering bold tactical advice from his desk." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Our guide to becoming an armchair traveler: how to explore the world from the comfort of your living room using virtual tours and documentaries." (Lonely Planet Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"He's a true armchair detective, solving crimes from his living room with a book and a cup of tea." (Character description in a cozy mystery novel or TV series, e.g., similar to Hercule Poirot)
"Today, we're assembling this flat-pack armchair – wish me luck, it looks complicated!" (YouTube home improvement channel)
"The podcast features an armchair historian who offers fascinating insights into forgotten events." (Podcast advertisement on Spotify)
General Public Discourse:
"My grandpa loves to sit in his favorite armchair and read the newspaper."
"Don't be an armchair critic; go out and try it yourself!"
"She enjoys being an armchair traveler, exploring cultures through books and films."
"He's an armchair expert on politics, always arguing but never participating."
10 Quotes Using Armchair
"He's just an armchair expert, offering opinions without practical experience." (Common critical observation, widely understood)
"Never be an armchair general; get out on the field and lead." (A common leadership adage)
"My favorite way to explore the world is as an armchair traveler." (Common descriptive phrase for someone who enjoys vicarious travel)
"An armchair philosopher often theorizes without ever truly engaging with life's complexities." (A common critique of purely theoretical approaches)
"Sometimes the most profound insights are found not in bustling offices, but in a quiet armchair." (A reflective statement, implying contemplation)
"This old armchair has been the silent witness to generations of stories." (Common descriptive line in literature about a beloved piece of furniture)
"Don't be an armchair quarterback; if you want to make a difference, get in the game." (A common sports-related idiom for sideline critics)
"The comfort of his favorite armchair was the only luxury he truly craved." (Common literary description of comfort)
"From the comfort of his armchair, he solved the most perplexing mysteries." (A common trope for a fictional detective, e.g., Hercule Poirot or Nero Wolfe)
"My ideal weekend involves a good book and a cozy armchair by the fire." (Common descriptive phrase of relaxation)
Etymology
The word "armchair" describes a comfortable chair with arms, and it's also used to describe someone who knows about something in theory but not from practice. Its history comes directly from combining "arm" and "chair."
It's a compound word formed from two older English words:
"arm": This comes from Old English "earm," meaning the upper limb of the human body.
"chair": This comes from Old French "chaiere," meaning a seat.
So, literally, an "armchair" is a "chair with arms."
The word "armchair" first appeared in English around the late 14th century (circa 1300s). Its original meaning was exactly what it still is today: a chair designed with supports for a person's arms.
The figurative use of "armchair" (as in an "armchair critic" or "armchair traveler"), meaning someone who participates vicariously or theoretically without hands-on experience, developed much later, typically in the 19th and 20th centuries. This extended meaning comes from the idea of comfortably sitting in one's armchair while observing or commenting on activities happening elsewhere.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Armchair
Armchair critic (someone who offers opinions without practical experience)
Armchair traveler (someone who explores the world through books or media, not actual travel)
Armchair general (someone who gives strategic advice without being in the field)
From the armchair (from a position of comfortable detachment)
Armchair philosophy (theoretical contemplation without real-world engagement)
Armchair enthusiast (a keen follower of a hobby or sport from home)
Armchair strategist (one who plans without hands-on involvement)
A quiet corner (using a synonym for a comfortable, secluded armchair spot)
The recliner realm (original, emphasizing relaxation from a comfortable chair)
Behind the desk (using a synonym, indicating a theoretical approach from an office)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of armchair from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
