Synonym for draught [closed]
Looking for a synonym for the word describing flow of air in a room.
I was told that "Draught is what grandparents would call it", so looking for something native and modern (if exists). One is for the use in writing and one which is maybe less formal?
UPD to clarify my confusion about the word 'draught':
- my friend told me, after talking to native speaker, that the word sounds little off to the native speaker (as a way to describe the phenomenon). But I couldn't find a friendlier alternative neither by seeking a synonym nor by translating it directly from my language
- asking my native speaking friends didn't add any clarifications either, options from them were: 'vacuum' and 'breeze'
- some people here suggested that draught is unwanted event and a result of not well insulated house, but in my language that word (ru сквозняк) can exists as airflow in a new and well insulated house; e.g. the airflow from window through a room door (which often slams because of the wind). Also don't you sometimes want a little of an airflow if there is no AC in a room?
I understand that the selection of my native speakers is maybe too narrowed, since we didn't come up with a better commonly used word, so I decided to take a chance here to get more usable options
Solution 1:
The general term is airflow or air flow
You could talk about "unwanted airflow"
However ...
In the block where I live, all the double-glazing was recently replaced after many years of service.
Subsequent to this, the contractors had to return because residents were experiencing draughts (drafts) where the windows hadn't been perfectly fitted.
No-one, residents or contractors, referred to this as "unwanted airflow" or similar. They were plain and simple draughts.
The word is not archaic. It is very much in common use.
Note: As a noun, it is archaic with respect to liquids. The sailor downed a draught of strong beer.
However, it is still use as an adjective in the brewing industry, for example, I enjoy drinking draught beer more than I do bottled beer.
Solution 2:
Draught: a current of air (usually coming into a chimney or room or vehicle).
Synonyms: Draft
Types are; — Updraft: a strong upward air current. — Downdraft: a strong downward air current Type of; air current , current , current of air , wind air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.
Solution 3:
I don't know where the idea that "draught" is an obsolete old-fashioned word comes from (at least in British English and because you've spelt it "draught" and not "draft" I'm going to assume that Br English is the context).
The following links are all to websites currently offering advice on draught-proofing thermally inefficient (usually older) homes.
Energy-Saving Trust
Transition Town Reading (partnered with Reading BC)
Ovo Energy
These are just the first three of many websites returned by a Google search for "draughty houses" so I don't believe the term is outdated at all.
The homes may be older but the occupants are as likely to be in their twenties as in their seventies and the 'grandparent generation' are more likely to have dealt with the problem over decades or have the knowledge and skills to alleviate it through having grown up in draughty environments