breath
Other forms: breaths
Breath is the process of taking air in and out of your lungs. It’s also the air you inhale and exhale, or a slight movement of air, like a breeze.
Breath comes from the Old English braeth (“scent" or "smell”). Many figures of speech originate with the idea that breathing deeply energizes or calms us. You can "catch your breath" by slowing down, and you might "take a breath" by taking a break or walking away from a stressful situation. A "breath of fresh air" might be just that, or, metaphorically, it might signal the arrival of something new and different that invigorates us or refocuses our attention.
Definitions of breath
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the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing“he took a deep breath and dived into the pool”“he was fighting to his last breath”
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types:
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breathing out, exhalation, expiration
the act of expelling air from the lungs
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aspiration, breathing in, inhalation, inspiration, intake
the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
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huffing, puffing, snorting
an act of forcible exhalation
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blow, puff
forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth
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wind
breath
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gasp, pant
a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
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drag, puff, pull
a slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke)
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type of:
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activity, bodily function, bodily process, body process
an organic process that takes place in the body
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the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration“his sour breath offended her”
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types:
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exhalation, halitus
exhaled breath
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halitosis
offensive breath
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type of:
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air
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
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exhalation, halitus
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a slight movement of the air“there wasn't a breath of air in the room”
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type of:
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air, breeze, gentle wind, zephyr
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
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air, breeze, gentle wind, zephyr
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a short respite
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synonyms:
breather, breathing place, breathing space, breathing spell, breathing time
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type of:
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relief, respite, rest, rest period
a pause for relaxation
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relief, respite, rest, rest period
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an indirect suggestion“not a breath of scandal ever touched her”
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synonyms:
hint, intimation
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type of:
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proffer, proposition, suggestion
a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection
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proffer, proposition, suggestion
Pronunciation
US
/brɛθ/
UK
/brɛθ/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘breath'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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