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Breathe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฎ
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breathe

[briหรฐ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

take breath

To take air into the lungs and then expel it, especially as a regular physiological process.

Synonyms

exhale, inhale, respire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breathe

This word is used most commonly in informal and general contexts when referring to the act of taking air in and out of the lungs.

  • Remember to relax and breathe deeply
  • It's sometimes hard to breathe in large crowds
inhale

This word is typically used when you want to specifically emphasize the act of taking air or something else into the lungs, such as in medical or technical contexts.

  • Inhale deeply before holding your breath
  • She inhaled some dust and started coughing
exhale

Use this word when focusing on the act of breathing out air from the lungs, often in relaxation exercises or medical contexts.

  • Hold your breath and then slowly exhale
  • He exhaled a sigh of relief after hearing the good news
respire

This word is more formal and often used in scientific or medical contexts when referring to the process of breathing.

  • Patients with respiratory issues may have difficulty respiring
  • Cells respire to produce energy

Examples of usage

  • She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking.
  • Inhale deeply and then exhale slowly to calm yourself down.
Context #2 | Verb

recover

To regain one's composure or recover from a stressful or difficult situation.

Synonyms

recover, recuperate, regain composure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breathe

Mentioned twice; see above.
recover

This is typically used when someone is getting better after being ill, injured, or experiencing something difficult. It's often used in medical or emotional contexts.

  • She is slowly recovering from the flu.
  • It took him months to recover from the accident.
recuperate

This word is more formal and usually describes a period of rest and healing after illness or exertion.

  • He went to the mountain cabin to recuperate after the surgery.
  • She needs to take time off work to recuperate.
regain composure

This phrase is commonly used when someone needs to calm down after being upset, stressed, or disoriented.

  • After hearing the shocking news, it took her a few minutes to regain composure.
  • He paused during the speech to regain his composure.

Examples of usage

  • After the intense workout, it took him a few minutes to breathe normally again.
  • She needed a moment to breathe and gather her thoughts.
Context #3 | Noun

sign of life

The process of taking air into the lungs and expelling it, a vital sign of life.

Synonyms

breathing, respiration, ventilation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breathe

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of inhaling and exhaling air.

  • I need to breathe deeply to calm down.
  • When running, remember to breathe steadily.
respiration

A more technical or scientific term for the process of breathing. Often used in medical or biological contexts.

  • Cellular respiration is a key biological process.
  • The doctors monitored the patient's respiration closely.
breathing

Describes the continuous process of taking air in and out, often used in medical or instructional contexts.

  • Proper breathing is essential during yoga.
  • She had difficulty breathing after the race.
ventilation

Refers to the provision or movement of air in a space, ensuring fresh air circulation, sometimes used in a medical context when assisted breathing is necessary.

  • Proper ventilation is crucial in crowded rooms.
  • The patient was placed on mechanical ventilation.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor checked the patient's breathing to ensure he was still alive.
  • The rise and fall of the chest indicated normal breathing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and help people feel calmer.
  • Breathing is an automatic function, but learning to control it can aid in relaxation and meditation.

Science

  • Humans breathe in oxygen, which is needed by cells to function, and breathe out carbon dioxide, a waste product.
  • Average adults breathe about 12 to 20 times per minute, though this can change with activity levels.

Literature

  • In poetry, the act of breathing often symbolizes life, presence, and connection to the world.
  • Writers use breathing as a metaphor for change or release in many narratives, highlighting its emotional significance.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures incorporate breath control techniques into their spiritual practices, such as yoga and meditation for focus and mindfulness.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, managing breath is believed to enhance 'qi', or life energy, promoting overall health.

Origin of 'breathe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'breathian', meaning to 'blow' or 'breathe' air.
  • It is related to the German word 'atmen', which means 'to breathe', showing how languages connect through shared meanings.

The word 'breathe' originated from the Old English word 'brฤ“oรฐan', which meant 'to inhale, exhale, breathe'. The Proto-Germanic root 'breuthan' is also related to the word. Breathing is a fundamental physiological process essential for sustaining life, providing oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. The act of breathing has been central to various practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of conscious breathing for well-being.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,807 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.