Inhale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inhale

[ษชnหˆheษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

breathing

To inhale means to breathe in air or gas. When you inhale, you draw air into your lungs.

Synonyms

breathe in, inspire, respire.

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Word Description / Examples
inhale

Used often in medical, scientific, or formal contexts when taking air or substances (like medication) into the lungs.

  • The doctor instructed him to deeply inhale the medication vapor
breathe in

A common and everyday way of saying to take air into the lungs. It can be used in informal situations.

  • She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh morning air
respire

Mostly used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the process of breathing. It is often used in more technical or academic discussions.

  • The researchers studied how different environments affect the way creatures respire
inspire

Less commonly used in the context of breathing and more commonly used to mean motivate or encourage. When related to breathing, it is a formal way to say 'inhale'.

  • During the meditation session, the guide told them to inspire deeply

Examples of usage

  • Remember to inhale deeply before you start the meditation exercise.
  • He inhaled the fresh scent of flowers in the garden.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

An inhaler is a device used to deliver medication directly into the lungs. It is commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Synonyms

breathing device, nebulizer, puffer.

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Word Description / Examples
inhale

To describe the action of drawing air into the lungs, often used in general or specific health-related situations.

  • She deeply inhaled the fresh morning air
  • The doctor instructed him to inhale slowly before holding his breath
breathing device

To refer to any medical apparatus or gadget that aids in breathing, typically used in medical or emergency situations.

  • The patient was given a breathing device to help with his pneumonia
  • Firefighters use breathing devices when working in smoke-filled environments

Examples of usage

  • She always carries her inhaler with her in case of an asthma attack.
  • The doctor prescribed a new inhaler for his patient.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Inhaling is a part of the respiratory process, which is vital for supplying oxygen to the body.
  • When you inhale, your diaphragm moves down, allowing more space for your lungs to fill with air.
  • The process also plays a role in regulating blood pH, as it aids in removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream.

Health

  • Deep inhaling can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation.
  • Controlled breathing techniques, often used in practices like yoga, emphasize the importance of deep inhales.
  • Inhaling certain substances can have effects on the body, both positive (like oxygen) and negative (like smoke).

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, specific breathing techniques are used during meditation to enhance focus and clarity.
  • Some traditional practices regard the act of inhaling as a way to connect with the energy of the environment.
  • Breath is considered a vital sign of life and is often referenced in spiritual contexts as vital force.

Literature and Arts

  • In literature, breathing is often used as a symbol for emotional states; deep inhales can signify relief or anticipation.
  • Poets frequently use the imagery of breath in their works to explore themes of life and vitality.
  • Visual artists sometimes depict inhaling and exhaling in representations of life and movement.

Origin of 'inhale'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inhale' comes from the Latin word 'halare,' which means 'to breathe.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 19th century to describe the action of breathing in air.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'into,' suggesting the movement of air into the body.

The word 'inhale' has its origins in the Latin word 'inhalare', which means 'to breathe upon'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English, referring to the act of breathing in air or gas. The concept of inhaling has been recognized for centuries as an essential function of human respiration.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,635, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.