Breeze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breeze

[briหz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

pleasant weather

A breeze is a gentle wind, especially one that is cool and pleasant.

Synonyms

draft, gust, wind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breeze

A gentle and pleasant wind, often felt on a nice day. It's used for something relaxing and enjoyable.

  • We opened the windows to let in the cool breeze.
  • It's such a beautiful day with a light breeze blowing.

Examples of usage

  • We sat outside enjoying the gentle breeze.
  • The breeze rustled the leaves in the trees.
Context #2 | Noun

easy task

Informal. An easy task or job.

Synonyms

piece of cake, snap, walk in the park.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breeze

Suitable for describing a situation or task that is very easy and manageable. Often used in informal conversations.

  • The math test was a breeze. I finished it in 20 minutes.
  • With all the preparation we did, the presentation was a breeze.
piece of cake

Used to emphasize that something is extremely easy to do. Commonly used in casual talk and often to give reassurance.

  • Don't worry about the exam. It's a piece of cake!
  • For someone with your skills, fixing that computer should be a piece of cake.
walk in the park

Often used in casual conversation to describe something that is very easy and usually enjoyable to do.

  • After all the practice we've had, the tournament will be a walk in the park.
  • Compared to the last hike, this one was a walk in the park.
snap

Informal term indicating that something is incredibly easy or takes very little effort. It might be used to describe both tasks and situations.

  • Setting up the new software was a snap with the user manual.
  • The puzzle was a snap for her to solve.

Examples of usage

  • The exam was a breeze for him.
  • She breezed through the presentation effortlessly.
Context #3 | Verb

move effortlessly

To move or progress swiftly and effortlessly.

Synonyms

coast, glide, sail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breeze

Use for describing a gentle wind or an easy task.

  • The breeze was cool and refreshing.
  • The exam was a breeze for her.
glide

Use when describing a smooth, effortless movement, often in the air.

  • The birds glide gracefully above the lake.
  • She was able to glide across the dance floor.
sail

Appropriate when referring to moving smoothly through water using a sail or metaphorically overcoming something easily.

  • We went to sail around the islands.
  • She seemed to sail through her exams without any trouble.
coast

Describes moving easily without power or effort, or is related to the seashore.

  • He left the car in neutral and let it coast down the hill.
  • They took a walk along the coast.

Examples of usage

  • He breezed past the defenders with ease.
  • She breezed through the interview and got the job.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Breezes are typically classified as light winds, ranging from 1 to 15 miles per hour, which can help cool us down on hot days.
  • The sea breeze occurs when cooler sea air moves to replace the rising warm air over land during the day.
  • Breezes can play an important role in pollination by helping to spread pollen from flowers to other plants.

Culture

  • In literature, breezes are often used to symbolize freedom and relaxation in pastoral scenes.
  • Many songs across genres describe breezes as comforting, often relating to romantic or peaceful imagery.
  • Culturally, breezes bring to mind summertime activities, like picnics or beach outings, where gentle winds add to the atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Exposure to natural breezes can contribute to reduced stress and improved mood, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
  • The sound of a light breeze rustling leaves can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility in psychological studies.
  • People often associate breezes with positive memories, such as vacations or happy times spent outdoors.

Weather Phenomena

  • Different types of breezes exist, including land breezes and valley breezes, each affecting local climate and weather.
  • Local weather patterns, like the 'Chinook wind', can bring warm breezes, drastically changing temperatures in mountainous regions.
  • Forecasters use the term 'breeze' when describing wind patterns to help predict weather conditions and changes.

Origin of 'breeze'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'breeze' comes from the Middle English 'breeze', meaning 'a gentle wind'.
  • It is believed to have origins in the Old French word 'brise', which means 'to break', possibly referring to the breaking of calm air.
  • In the 15th century, 'breeze' was also associated with the concept of being cheerful or carefree.

The word 'breeze' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from Old Spanish 'briza' or Portuguese 'briza' meaning 'cold northeast wind'. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any gentle wind, often associated with pleasant weather. The figurative use of 'breeze' to describe an easy task or job emerged in informal language. The verb form 'breeze' to indicate moving effortlessly also gained popularity over the years.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,929 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.