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Exhaling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exhaling

[ɪkˈseɪlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

breathing

The action of breathing out air from the lungs. Exhaling is a natural process that helps the body get rid of carbon dioxide.

Synonyms

breathe out, expire, respire out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhaling

This is commonly used in both everyday and medical contexts to describe the act of breathing out air from the lungs.

  • After holding his breath underwater, he exhaled deeply.
  • Yoga practices often include slow, controlled exhaling.
breathe out

Used in casual, everyday conversation to describe the simple act of releasing air from the lungs.

  • Just breathe out slowly and try to relax.
  • She took a deep breath and then breathed out.
respire out

More formal and scientific term, often used in biological or medical contexts.

  • Cells respire and release carbon dioxide as a waste product.
  • Doctors study how humans respire out different gases.
expire

Alongside indicating the act of breathing out, it is also often used to mean 'to die' or 'to come to an end' which gives the word a negative connotation.

  • The patient expired peacefully in his sleep.
  • His car insurance will expire next week.

Examples of usage

  • The yoga instructor instructed the class to focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply.
  • After running, she felt the need to exhale and catch her breath.
  • He exhaled slowly, trying to calm his nerves before the big presentation.
Context #2 | Noun

physiology

The process of expelling air from the lungs. Exhaling is essential for the exchange of gases in the respiratory system.

Synonyms

breathing out, expiration, ventilation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhaling

Refers to the act of releasing air from the lungs. Often used in a medical or physiological context.

  • After a deep inhale, focus on exhaling slowly to calm your mind.
  • The nurse observed the patient exhaling smoothly despite the treatment.
expiration

A more technical or formal term for exhaling, used in medical, biological, or scientific contexts.

  • The doctor studied the patient's expiration during the breathing test.
  • In respiratory physiology, expiration is an essential process.
breathing out

A casual term for exhaling, commonly used in everyday speech.

  • Try breathing out slowly to relax your body.
  • While meditating, pay attention to your breathing out.
ventilation

Refers to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, encompassing both inhaling and exhaling. Often used in medical or engineering contexts.

  • Proper ventilation is crucial for patient recovery in the ICU.
  • The building's ventilation system ensures fresh air circulation.

Examples of usage

  • During exhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax to push air out of the lungs.
  • Proper breathing technique involves a balance between inhaling and exhaling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Exhalation is part of the breathing process, where oxygen is used by the body and carbon dioxide is released.
  • The diaphragm muscle plays a key role in exhaling; when it relaxes, it helps push air out of the lungs.
  • Exhaled air contains about 4% carbon dioxide, which is higher than the air we breathe in.

Psychology

  • Deep exhaling is often used in relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga to help calm the mind.
  • Studies suggest that focusing on your breath, specifically exhaling, can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
  • People often exhale deeply when they're stressed or trying to relax, indicating how breathing is linked to our feelings.

Health

  • Controlled exhaling is a technique used in respiratory therapies to improve lung function.
  • Athletes often use specific breathing patterns, including exhaling forcefully, to enhance performance and endurance.
  • Proper exhalation can improve oxygen exchange in the lungs, benefiting overall health.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, exhaling a breath represents letting go of negativity or stress, a practice seen in various rituals.
  • The act of exhaling can symbolize release and transformation in artistic expressions, including poetry and visual arts.
  • Some traditions incorporate exhaling techniques in their prayers or chants to center the mind and spirit.

Technology

  • In design, understanding exhalation can aid in creating better ventilation systems for buildings and vehicles.
  • Breath-activated technology uses sensors that detect exhaled air for security systems and user interfaces.
  • In virtual reality, exhaling can enhance user immersion by integrating breathing patterns into gameplay.

Origin of 'exhaling'

The word 'exhaling' originated from the Old English word 'exhalen,' which means to draw out, emit, or breathe out. The prefix 'ex-' means out, while 'hale' comes from the Old English word 'halian,' meaning to breathe. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, maintaining its fundamental meaning of breathing out air from the lungs. The concept of exhaling has been integral to human physiology and well-being since ancient times, with practices such as meditation and breathing exercises emphasizing the importance of proper exhalation for relaxation and stress relief.

See also: exhalation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,582, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.