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Breather Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breather

[หˆbriหรฐษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

take a

A short pause or rest from an activity.

Synonyms

break, pause, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breather

Used when someone needs a short, informal break to catch their breath or take a quick moment to relax. Often implies a brief and rejuvenating period. Informal and casual.

  • After running up the stairs, she needed a breather before continuing her work.
  • He decided to take a quick breather after the intense discussion.
break

A general term for a period of rest or pause from work or an activity. It can be short or extended and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

  • The employees were eagerly waiting for their lunch break.
  • Let's take a five-minute break before we move on to the next topic.
rest

Refers to a longer period of relaxation or sleep, usually needed to recover energy. It is more general and formal, often implying a more significant recovery time.

  • After a long day at work, he needed a good night's rest.
  • Doctors recommend plenty of rest for a speedy recovery.
pause

Indicates a temporary stop or interruption in an activity or process. Often used in formal contexts or when talking about stopping something for a short time before continuing.

  • She paused the movie to answer the phone.
  • After thinking for a moment, he decided to pause the project discussion until more data was available.

Examples of usage

  • Let's take a breather before we continue the hike.
  • I need a breather after running for 30 minutes.
Context #2 | Noun

a sigh of

A deep sigh indicating relief or relaxation.

Synonyms

exhale, sigh.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breather

Use when referring to a short break to rest and recover, often after physical activity or work.

  • Let's take a breather before continuing the hike.
  • I need a quick breather from this paperwork.
sigh

Use to describe a long, audible breath indicating emotions such as weariness, frustration, or disappointment. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • She sighed deeply after hearing the bad news.
  • He let out a sigh of frustration when his computer crashed.
exhale

Use when talking about the physical act of breathing out, often in a calm or controlled manner. It can also be metaphorically used to describe releasing tension.

  • She took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.
  • After hearing the good news, he exhaled in relief.

Examples of usage

  • After finishing the project, she let out a breather of relief.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In busy workplaces, taking a breather is a popular practice to improve productivity and focus.
  • Breathers are often used in sports, where players take short breaks to recover and strategize during games.
  • Yoga and meditation often emphasize taking short breathers to enhance mindfulness and relaxation.

Psychology

  • Taking a breather can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to better mental health.
  • Research suggests that short breaks help improve concentration and overall cognitive performance.
  • Engaging in regular breathers can foster creativity, allowing the mind to reset and enhance problem-solving capabilities.

Pop Culture

  • Many self-help books and wellness trends emphasize the importance of taking regular breathers for personal growth.
  • In films, characters often take a breather during challenging situations to regroup and reflect.
  • The phrase 'take a breather' is commonly used in songs and media to express the need for a pause in life.

Health and Wellness

  • Breathers can help prevent burnout, especially in high-stress environments like schools and workplaces.
  • Incorporating short breaks into your daily routine supports better posture and reduces fatigue.
  • Breathers are often recommended in fitness routines to prevent overexertion and aid recovery during workouts.

Origin of 'breather'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the verb 'breathe', which is related to taking in air.
  • In the late 19th century, 'breather' started to be used in English to mean a brief rest.
  • The concept relates to the act of breathing deeply to reduce stress and rejuvenate.

The word 'breather' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the verb 'breathe'. It originally referred to a person or thing that breathes, but over time, it evolved to also mean a short pause or rest. The sense of 'a sigh of relief' came later, in the 19th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,094, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.