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breathe

v.
US //ˈbɹið// UK //bɹˈiːð// breathe
  1. 1 to inhale and exhale (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to take air into your lungs and then send it out again.

    to inhale and exhale air through the respiratory system to facilitate gas exchange.

    Example

    The doctor told me to breathe in deeply while she listened to my chest.

    Example

    After sprinting to catch the bus, he stood on the pavement for several minutes trying to breathe normally again.

    Usage

    Intransitive or transitive; when transitive, the object is usually the substance inhaled, such as 'breathe smoke'.
    • respire
  2. 2 to whisper (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to say something very quietly or softly.

    to utter words very quietly, often as a whisper or a soft sigh.

    Example

    Don't breathe a word of this secret to anyone else.

    Example

    She leaned closer to breathe a final warning into his ear before disappearing into the crowded ballroom.

    Usage

    Often used in the negative idiom 'not breathe a word'.
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  1. 3 fabric/material (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    when a material or fabric allows air to pass through it easily.

    of a garment or material, to allow air and moisture to circulate through the fibres.

    Example

    Cotton is a popular summer fabric because it allows your skin to breathe.

    Example

    The new synthetic membrane is designed to breathe during intense physical activity, preventing the buildup of sweat inside the jacket.
    • ventilate
  2. 4 to live and feel (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to be very dedicated to something, as if it is the most important part of your life.

    to be intensely or passionately devoted to a particular activity or interest.

    Example

    He loves his job so much that he lives and breathes football.

    Example

    The young artist seemed to breathe the atmosphere of the studio, spending every waking hour perfecting her technique.
    • live for
Origin

From Middle English brethen (“to breathe, blow, exhale, odour”), derived from Middle English breth (“breath”). Eclipsed Middle English ethien and orðiæn, from Old English ēþian and orþian (“to breathe”); as well as Middle English anden, onden, from Old Norse anda (“to breathe”). More at breath.

Word family
Idioms6 entries

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