Breathe
/briːð/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo draw air into and expel it from the lungs.
/briːð/
To inhale and exhale air.
She breathed deeply before speaking.
💡 Simply: To take air in and let it out.
More Examples
He could barely breathe after running.
How It's Used
"The doctor checked his breathing rate."
"Take a deep breath and relax."
To be alive; to exist.
/briːð/
To live; to exist.
This city breathes with energy.
💡 Simply: To be alive.
More Examples
He breathed his last breath.
How It's Used
"The old house still breathed with history."
Idioms & expressions
hold your breath
To stop breathing temporarily, often due to surprise or anticipation.
"She held her breath as she waited for the results."
From Old English *brēþan, from Proto-Germanic *brēþaną, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂wréh₁- 'to breathe'.
The word 'breathe' has been used consistently throughout history with similar meanings, its figurative uses evolving over time.
Memory tip
Think of a 'breeze' gently moving air; breathing is like a gentle breeze in your lungs.
Word Origin
"to breathe"