breathe
- 01 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.
Simple“The doctor told me to breathe in deeply while she listened to my chest.”
In context“After sprinting to catch the bus, he stood on the pavement for several minutes trying to breathe normally again.”
UsageIntransitive or transitive; when transitive, the object is usually the substance inhaled, such as 'breathe smoke'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to say something very quietly or softly.
to utter words very quietly, often as a whisper or a soft sigh.
Simple“Don't breathe a word of this secret to anyone else.”
In context“She leaned closer to breathe a final warning into his ear before disappearing into the crowded ballroom.”
UsageOften used in the negative idiom 'not breathe a word'.
- 03 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.
Simple“Cotton is a popular summer fabric because it allows your skin to breathe.”
In context“The new synthetic membrane is designed to breathe during intense physical activity, preventing the buildup of sweat inside the jacket.”
Synonymsventilate - 04 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“He loves his job so much that he lives and breathes football.”
In context“The young artist seemed to breathe the atmosphere of the studio, spending every waking hour perfecting her technique.”
Synonymslive for
breathe vs breath — Breath is the noun for the air itself, while breathe is the verb for the action of moving that air.
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.