gas
gas
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "gas" is /ɡæs/.
gas: /ɡæs/
Word Form Variations
Noun: gas (singular, countable and uncountable), gases (plural), gasses (alternative plural, less common for general senses, often for specific types)
Verb: gas (base form), gases (third person singular present), gassed (past tense, past participle), gassing (present participle)
Adjective: gaseous, gassy
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Gas
An air-like fluid substance that expands freely to fill any space available, unlike a liquid or solid.
Synonyms: vapor, fume, aeriform fluid
Antonyms: liquid, solid
A combustible gaseous mixture, chiefly methane and other hydrocarbons, used as a fuel, e.g., for cooking or heating.
Synonyms: natural gas, fuel gas, propane (specific type)
Antonyms: electricity, coal, oil (other fuel types)
(US, informal) Gasoline; a volatile fuel used in internal combustion engines.
Synonyms: gasoline, petrol (British English), fuel
Antonyms: diesel, electricity (alternative power sources)
(Informal) Intestinal wind; flatulence.
Synonyms: flatulence, wind, bloating
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this bodily function)
(Informal) An enjoyable or exciting thing or situation.
Synonyms: blast (informal), thrill, fun, good time
Antonyms: bore, drag (informal), dullness
Verb
Gas
To kill or incapacitate by exposing to gas.
Synonyms: poison, asphyxiate, choke, suffocate
Antonyms: revive, resuscitate
(Informal) To fill (a vehicle's fuel tank) with gasoline.
Synonyms: refuel, fill up
Antonyms: drain, empty
(Informal) To talk excessively and without much purpose; to chatter.
Synonyms: jabber, prattle, blather, chatter
Antonyms: listen, be silent, be concise
Adjective
Gaseous
Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a gas.
Synonyms: vaporous, airy, insubstantial
Antonyms: liquid, solid
Gassy
Full of or containing gas, especially intestinal gas.
Synonyms: bloated, flatulent, windy
Antonyms: deflated, unbloated
(Informal) Tending to talk excessively.
Synonyms: talkative, garrulous, verbose
Antonyms: quiet, reserved, taciturn
Examples of Use
Books
Science Textbooks (Chemistry/Physics): These explain the properties of different types of "gas" and the states of matter. "Hydrogen is the lightest gas on the periodic table" (Pearson, January 2023).
Non-fiction (Automotive): Car manuals and guides discuss gasoline as fuel. "Always check your gas tank before a long trip."
Fiction: Characters might describe the smell of natural "gas" or fill their car with "gas." "A mysterious gas filled the chamber."
Newspapers
News Articles (Economy/Energy): Journalists frequently report on "gas prices," "natural gas supplies," or environmental regulations related to greenhouse gases. "Local gas prices are expected to rise next month" (The Daily Nation, July 2025).
Science Sections: Articles might discuss new research on atmospheric gases or the role of certain gases in the climate.
Opinion Pieces: Columnists might argue about the use of gas as a transitional fuel source.
Online Publications
Automotive Websites: Blogs and news sites provide updates on "gas mileage," "electric vs. gas cars," and tips for saving gas. "Is your car getting poor gas mileage?"
Environmental Sites: Organizations publish information on reducing greenhouse gas emissions or the impact of fracking for natural gas.
Social Media: Users might complain about high gas prices, share memes about their car's gas consumption, or use "have a gas" to describe a fun time. "The concert was a total gas!"
Home & Garden Blogs: These might offer advice on connecting gas appliances or detecting a gas leak.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Action/Sci-fi): Characters might use poisonous "gas" as a weapon, or space exploration shows might refer to "interstellar gas clouds." Dialogue might include, "Step on the gas!" (meaning accelerate).
Music: Song lyrics sometimes refer to "gas" as fuel or as an intensifier for excitement. "Got a full tank of gas and I'm ready to roll."
Video Games: Racing games often have a "gas pedal" for acceleration. Survival games might require players to manage their "gas mask" supply in toxic environments.
Podcasts: Discussions on technology might cover the future of gas-powered vehicles versus electric. Comedy podcasts might use "have a gas" informally.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly ask, "Did you fill up the car with gas?" or "Is your stove powered by gas or electricity?" "I need to get some gas before the trip."
Workplace (Energy/Manufacturing): Discussions involve the supply and demand of industrial gases or safety protocols for working with hazardous gases.
Driving: Drivers talk about getting good "gas mileage" or stopping at a "gas station."
Informal Use: "That party was a real gas!" (meaning it was fun).
Medical/Health: People might mention feeling bloated from "too much gas" in their stomach.
10 Quotes Using Gas
"Sometimes, the only way forward is to simply step on the gas."
"The universe is a vast expanse of swirling gas and cosmic dust."
"Our planet faces an unprecedented challenge with the rising levels of greenhouse gas."
"Life, in its unpredictable essence, can truly be a real gas when embraced fully."
"Don't let your grandest dreams ever run out of gas before you reach your destination."
"The pressure often builds, like trapped gas, just before a significant breakthrough occurs."
"True societal progress demands that we keep our foot firmly on the gas of innovation."
"He who truly understands the universe sees the elegance of every element, from solid to gas."
"Sometimes, all you need for an adventure is a full tank of gas and an open road stretching before you."
"The infectious laughter of genuine friends is like a delightful gas, quickly filling the entire room with joy."
Etymology
The word "gas" was actually invented quite intentionally by a Belgian chemist named Jan Baptista van Helmont in the early 17th century.
He created the word from the Greek word "khaos," meaning "chaos" or "empty space." He used it to describe the "wild spirit" or invisible vapor given off by certain substances, particularly carbon dioxide. He thought it was a kind of "chaos" because it was so unlike solids or liquids and seemed to fill any space randomly.
So, its first known use and meaning was specifically to name this new state of matter that he observed, which was difficult to contain and appeared to be a "chaotic" vapor.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Gas
Step on the gas: To accelerate; to hurry up. "We need to step on the gas if we want to make it on time."
Give it some gas: To accelerate or apply more power. "The car won't climb this hill unless you give it some gas."
All gas, no brakes: Going full speed or without restraint; reckless. "His new project is all gas, no brakes."
Full of gas: Talking a lot without saying much; bragging. "Don't listen to him, he's just full of gas."
Cut the gas: To stop talking or stop an activity, especially if annoying. "Alright, cut the gas; I need to concentrate."
On the gas: Actively engaged in something, especially moving quickly. "The cyclists were really on the gas during the final sprint."
Have a gas: To have a very enjoyable and fun time. "We had a total gas at the party last night!"
Gas up: To fill a vehicle's fuel tank. "We need to gas up before the long drive."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of gas from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
