Breathing
/ˈbriːðɪŋ/
nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
The process of inhaling and exhaling air.
/ˈbriːðɪŋ/
nounneutralBeginner
General
The act of inhaling and exhaling.
His breathing was shallow and rapid.
💡 Simply: Taking air in and out of your lungs.
More Examples
2
The rhythmic breathing calmed her nerves.
How It's Used
Medical
"The doctor checked the patient's breathing."
Fitness
"Deep breathing is crucial for yoga."
2
Inhaling and exhaling air.
/ˈbriːðɪŋ/
verbneutralBeginner
General
(gerund) The act of inhaling and exhaling.
He was breathing deeply to relax.
💡 Simply: Taking breaths.
More Examples
2
The baby was breathing peacefully.
How It's Used
General
"She was breathing heavily after the run."
Tip:Relates to the noun 'breath'.
From Middle English *brethynge, from Old English *brēþian, from Proto-Germanic *brēþijaną, to breathe.
The word's usage has remained consistent throughout history, referring to the act of respiration.
Memory tip
Think of 'breath' and adding '-ing' to indicate the action.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"to breathe"
Base: breathe
deep breathingheavy breathingshort of breathcatch one's breath
Common misspellings
breathinbreatheng
Practice
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written