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REFERENCE

breath

n.
US //ˈbɹɛθ// UK //bɹˈɛθ// breath
  1. 1 air from the lungs (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the air that you take into your lungs and then let out.

    the air inhaled into or exhaled from the lungs during respiration.

    Example

    He could see his breath in the cold morning air.

    Example

    The hiker paused to watch his breath condense into a white mist against the freezing mountain air.
    Pitfall
    It was hard to breath after the run.
    It was hard to breathe after the run.

    Breath is the noun (the air); breathe is the verb (the action).

  2. 2 a single cycle (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    one single time that you take air in or let it out.

    a single act of respiration.

    Example

    Take a deep breath and try to relax before the presentation.

    Example

    The swimmer took one final deep breath before diving into the pool to begin the final lap of the race.
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  1. 3 a slight movement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    a very small amount of wind or air.

    a slight movement of air; a light breeze.

    Example

    There wasn't even a breath of wind to move the leaves.

    Example

    The sails hung limp and useless, as there was not a breath of wind to stir the heavy afternoon heat.
  2. 4 a short break (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a short rest or a pause to catch your energy.

    a brief pause or interval of rest, especially to recover from physical exertion.

    Example

    The workers stopped for a breath after carrying the heavy furniture upstairs.

    Example

    After the frantic opening sequence, the play allows the audience a breath before the tension begins to build again.
Origin

From Middle English breeth, breth, from Old English brǣþ (“odor, scent, stink, exhalation, vapor”), from Proto-West Germanic *brāþi (“vapour, waft, exhalation, breath”) (compare German Brodem (“haze, vapor; breath”), of a different but related formation).

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