Word
breather
US/ˈbɹiðɝ/
UK/bɹˈiːðɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a short break from an activity to rest or catch your breath. You take a breather when you feel tired or overwhelmed by a task.
n. a brief pause for rest or relaxation during a period of exertion. Typically used with the verb 'take'.
Examples
“I need to take a breather before we start the next task.”
“After hiking uphill for two hours, the group stopped at the summit to take a breather and enjoy the view.”
“The manager suggested the team take a quick breather to clear their heads before diving into the final round of negotiations.”
Examples
simple
“I need to take a breather before we start the next task.”
contextual
“After hiking uphill for two hours, the group stopped at the summit to take a breather and enjoy the view.”
complex
“The manager suggested the team take a quick breather to clear their heads before diving into the final round of negotiations.”
Usage
Typically appears in the phrase 'take a breather'.
Real-World Examples
“He looks as if he will be OK but takes his time to catch a breather and a quick drink.” Etymology
From breathe + -er (agent noun suffix) or + -er (relational noun suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
01. mouth breather
02. take a breather
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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