Breathe: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

Mentioned twice; see above.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.