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Breathable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ
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breathable

[หˆbrษ›รฐษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

clothing

Allowing air to pass through easily; well ventilated.

Synonyms

airy, permeable, porous, ventilated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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 itโ€™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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'breathable'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'breathable' originated from the verb 'breathe', which comes from Old English 'brฤ“aรฐan', meaning 'to emit an odor or vapor'. Over time, 'breathable' evolved to describe materials or environments that allow air or moisture to pass through easily, enhancing comfort and functionality.

See also: breath, breathability, breathe, breathing, breathtaking, breathwork.

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.