Perspire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perspire

[pərˈspaɪər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

during physical activity

To perspire means to sweat, typically as a result of physical exertion or hot weather. It is the body's natural way of regulating temperature by releasing moisture through the skin's pores.

Synonyms

exude, glow, sweat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perspire	Use 'perspire' in more formal or medical contexts. It is a gentle way to say that someone is sweating, often in contexts related to health or biology. After the exercise, I began to perspire heavily. The doctor noted that the patient was perspiring excessively.
sweat	Use 'sweat' in informal or everyday contexts when you want to directly refer to the physical act of sweating. It is straightforward and commonly used. I'm sweating a lot because it's so hot outside. He sweats profusely whenever he exercises.
glow	'Glow' can be used metaphorically or literally to describe a kind of soft light or radiance. It's often used to describe a healthy or happy appearance rather than just perspiration. Her face was glowing after she heard the good news. The pregnant woman had a lovely glow about her. After the workout, she had a healthy glow.
exude	'Exude' is used to describe something that is released slowly or steadily, not just in relation to sweat. It often describes confidence, charm, or another abstract quality, but when it's about sweat, it's more about the slow release. The plant exudes a sticky resin. He exuded confidence during his speech. During the hike, she began to exude sweat from every pore.

Examples of usage

I tend to perspire a lot when I exercise.
After running a mile, I could feel myself starting to perspire.
She was perspiring profusely in the sweltering heat.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

due to nervousness or anxiety

To perspire can also refer to sweating caused by nervousness, anxiety, or stress. It is a physical reaction to emotional stimuli, often manifesting as dampness on the palms or forehead.

Synonyms

beads of sweat, sweat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perspire	This word is more formal and is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the process of sweating. During intense physical activity, the human body tends to perspire to keep cool. He began to perspire heavily during the job interview.
sweat	This is a common, everyday term used to describe the act of sweating, suitable for both casual and general contexts. He started to sweat after running for just a few minutes. The hot weather made everyone sweat profusely.
beads of sweat	This phrase is used to vividly describe visible droplets of sweat on the skin, often implying intense effort or stress. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he struggled to lift the heavy box. She wiped away the beads of sweat that had gathered on her brow.

Word

Description / Examples

perspire

This word is more formal and is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the process of sweating.

During intense physical activity, the human body tends to perspire to keep cool.
He began to perspire heavily during the job interview.

sweat

This is a common, everyday term used to describe the act of sweating, suitable for both casual and general contexts.

He started to sweat after running for just a few minutes.
The hot weather made everyone sweat profusely.

beads of sweat

This phrase is used to vividly describe visible droplets of sweat on the skin, often implying intense effort or stress.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he struggled to lift the heavy box.
She wiped away the beads of sweat that had gathered on her brow.

Examples of usage

He began to perspire nervously before his big presentation.
Her palms were perspiring with anxiety during the interview.

Translations

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

Origin of 'perspire'

The word 'perspire' originated from the Latin word 'perspirare', which means 'to breathe through'. The term has been used since the mid-17th century to describe the act of sweating. Perspiration is a natural bodily function that helps regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins. Throughout history, sweating has been associated with physical exertion, emotional stress, and even medical conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,949 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32946 oleander
32947 vegetate
32948 extendable
32949 perspire
32950 rafted
32951 caparisoned
32952 seconder
...