breathe
To inhale and exhale air through the lungs as a vital physiological process. In a broader sense, it can mean to live, to pause for rest, or to allow a substance like wine or fabric to be exposed to air.
Examples
3 of 5I need to step outside for a moment just to breathe some fresh air.
I need to go outdoors for a short time to inhale some clean air.
The physician instructed the patient to breathe deeply while he listened to her chest.
The doctor told the patient to take deep breaths while he examined her heart and lungs.
Just breathe, okay? Everything is going to be fine.
Stay calm and keep your respiration steady; everything will work out.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Breathe with an 'E' at the end is for 'Exhale' (the action). Breath without an 'E' is just the 'Bath' of air you take.
Quick Quiz
It was so smoky in the room that I could hardly ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breathe
Examples
I need to step outside for a moment just to breathe some fresh air.
everydayI need to go outdoors for a short time to inhale some clean air.
The physician instructed the patient to breathe deeply while he listened to her chest.
formalThe doctor told the patient to take deep breaths while he examined her heart and lungs.
Just breathe, okay? Everything is going to be fine.
informalStay calm and keep your respiration steady; everything will work out.
Marine mammals have evolved specific adaptations to breathe efficiently in aquatic environments.
academicSea-dwelling mammals have developed traits to inhale and exhale effectively in the water.
The new marketing strategy is designed to help the brand breathe again in a crowded market.
businessThe new plan is meant to revitalize the brand so it can thrive in a competitive environment.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
breathe a sigh of relief
to feel better after a period of anxiety
breathe down someone's neck
to watch someone very closely in an annoying way
don't breathe a word
to keep a secret and tell no one
Often Confused With
Breath (no 'e') is the noun (the air itself), while breathe (with 'e') is the verb (the action).
Usage Notes
Use 'breathe' when describing the action of moving air. It is often used figuratively to describe giving space or life to a project or situation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'breath' when they need the verb 'breathe'. Remember that the verb has a long 'e' sound (/iː/) and ends with an 'e'.
Memory Tip
Breathe with an 'E' at the end is for 'Exhale' (the action). Breath without an 'E' is just the 'Bath' of air you take.
Word Origin
Derived from Old English 'bræthan', which originally meant to smell or give off an odor, later evolving to mean the act of respiration.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'just breathe' has become a popular mantra associated with mindfulness and yoga practices to combat stress.
Quick Quiz
It was so smoky in the room that I could hardly ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breathe
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
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