Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Breathable: meaning, definitions and examples

🌬️
Add to dictionary

breathable

 

[ˈbrɛðəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

clothing

Allowing air to pass through easily; well ventilated.

Synonyms

airy, permeable, porous, ventilated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
breathable

Suitable to describe materials, especially fabrics, that allow air to pass through easily, making them comfortable to wear for long periods.

  • This jacket is made from breathable fabric, perfect for hiking
  • These shoes have a breathable mesh upper
ventilated

Describes a space that has a good flow of fresh air, either naturally or through mechanical systems. Often used in architectural or health contexts.

  • Make sure the lab is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any toxic fumes
  • The office space feels much more comfortable now that it’s ventilated properly
airy

Used to describe a space or area that feels spacious, full of light, and fresh air. It can also describe something light and delicate.

  • Their new apartment is so airy and well-lit
  • The cake was light and airy, just like a cloud
permeable

Describes materials or substances that allow liquids or gases to pass through. Often used in scientific, environmental, or technical contexts.

  • The soil in this area is highly permeable
  • We need a permeable membrane for this experiment
porous

Refers to materials that have tiny holes or spaces through which liquid or air can pass. Commonly used to describe stones, ceramics, or fabrics.

  • This rock is very porous, which is why it absorbs water so quickly
  • Porous ceramics are great for filtration systems

Examples of usage

  • This breathable fabric is perfect for hot summer days.
  • I prefer breathable materials for my workout clothes.
  • The jacket is made of a breathable material that keeps you cool.
Context #2 | Adjective

environment

Capable of allowing air or moisture to pass through.

Synonyms

penetrable, permeable, porous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
breathable

Used when referring to materials or fabrics that allow air to pass through, making them comfortable to wear or use for extended periods.

  • This jacket is made of breathable fabric, perfect for hiking.
  • Breathable shoes help keep your feet cool and dry.
permeable

Used when referring to a material's ability to allow liquids or gases to pass through it, often used in scientific or environmental contexts.

  • These soils are highly permeable, making them ideal for groundwater recharge.
  • The membrane is permeable to water but not to large molecules.
porous

Used to describe materials that have many small holes, allowing liquids or gases to pass through; commonly used in geological or construction contexts.

  • The porous rock allowed water to seep through easily.
  • Porous bricks are popular in construction because they allow buildings to breathe.
penetrable

Used when describing something that can be pierced or entered, often implying a level of vulnerability or susceptibility.

  • The castle walls were thought to be impenetrable, but they were penetrable with the right tools.
  • The security system was designed to be foolproof, but it turned out to be penetrable.

Examples of usage

  • The plants need a breathable soil for proper root growth.
  • It's important to have breathable air in enclosed spaces.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'breathe', which means to take in air, combined with the suffix '-able', suggesting capability.
  • It entered the English language around the late 19th century as textiles started to improve.

Clothing and Fashion

  • Breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are popular in hot climates because they allow sweat to evaporate.
  • Athletes often choose breathable gear to maintain comfort and avoid overheating during intense activities.

Biology

  • In the animal kingdom, many species have evolved to have breathable skin, which helps them absorb oxygen directly from their environment.
  • Human skin is not permeable like gills, but breathable fabrics can help regulate body temperature by allowing moisture to escape.

Environmental Science

  • Breathable materials are being developed for environmental purposes, reducing the heat island effect in urban areas.
  • Ventilated, breathable designs in buildings can improve air quality and enhance energy efficiency.

Health and Wellness

  • Breathable bedding and clothing can improve sleep quality by maintaining a comfortable temperature.
  • For people with skin sensitivities, breathable materials can help reduce irritation and promote overall comfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "breathable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 respirável

🇮🇳 सांस लेने योग्य

🇩🇪 atmungsaktiv

🇮🇩 bernapas

🇺🇦 дихаючий

🇵🇱 oddychający

🇯🇵 通気性のある

🇫🇷 respirable

🇪🇸 transpirable

🇹🇷 nefes alabilir

🇰🇷 통기성 있는

🇸🇦 قابل للتنفس

🇨🇿 prodyšný

🇸🇰 priedušný

🇨🇳 透气的

🇸🇮 dihajoč

🇮🇸 öndunardrægur

🇰🇿 тыныс алатын

🇬🇪 სასუნთქი

🇦🇿 nəfəs ala bilən

🇲🇽 transpirable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,403, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.