breathing
The continuous physiological process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide through the lungs. It describes the act of respiration and is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms.
Examples
3 of 5His breathing was steady and quiet while he slept soundly.
His breathing was steady and quiet while he slept soundly.
The medical report indicated that the patient's breathing had stabilized after the administration of oxygen.
The medical report indicated that the patient's breathing had stabilized after the administration of oxygen.
I could hear some heavy breathing coming from the hallway, which gave me a bit of a fright.
I could hear some heavy breathing coming from the hallway, which gave me a bit of a fright.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ing' in breathing like the 'ing' in 'living'—you need breathing to keep on living.
Quick Quiz
The yoga instructor told us that conscious _______ is the key to managing stress effectively.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breathing
Examples
His breathing was steady and quiet while he slept soundly.
everydayHis breathing was steady and quiet while he slept soundly.
The medical report indicated that the patient's breathing had stabilized after the administration of oxygen.
formalThe medical report indicated that the patient's breathing had stabilized after the administration of oxygen.
I could hear some heavy breathing coming from the hallway, which gave me a bit of a fright.
informalI could hear some heavy breathing coming from the hallway, which gave me a bit of a fright.
Academic studies differentiate between the mechanical process of breathing and the cellular process of respiration.
academicAcademic studies differentiate between the mechanical process of breathing and the cellular process of respiration.
Securing this investment has finally given our startup some breathing room to focus on product development.
businessSecuring this investment has finally given our startup some breathing room to focus on product development.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
breathing room
breathing room (space or time to recover)
breathing down someone's neck
breathing down someone's neck (watching someone too closely)
living, breathing example
living, breathing example (a perfect, real-life instance)
Often Confused With
Breath is the noun for a single cycle of air, whereas breathing is the continuous process.
Breathe is the verb (the action), while breathing is the noun (the activity/process).
Usage Notes
Use 'breathing' when referring to the ongoing activity or the sound of someone respiring. It is also frequently used metaphorically in business and sports to mean 'space to maneuver'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the 'e' in the verb 'breathe' but include it correctly in 'breathing'. Also, avoid using 'breathing' when you mean a single 'breath' (e.g., say 'take a breath', not 'take a breathing').
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ing' in breathing like the 'ing' in 'living'—you need breathing to keep on living.
Word Origin
Derived from Old English 'bræthan', which originally meant to smell, exhale, or give off an odor.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Breathing techniques are a central component of mindfulness, yoga, and meditation practices which are increasingly popular in global health contexts.
Quick Quiz
The yoga instructor told us that conscious _______ is the key to managing stress effectively.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breathing
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
syntegment
C1To integrate or fuse distinct segments or components into a single, unified structure or cohesive system. It is often used in technical, architectural, or abstract contexts to describe the seamless blending of parts into a whole.
exsimilment
C1Exsimilment is an adjective describing something that has diverged so fundamentally from its original source or peer group that it no longer possesses any shared characteristics. It is frequently used in technical and comparative contexts to denote a state of complete and intentional dissimilarity.
foreautofy
C1Describing a system, process, or device that has been autonomously optimized or configured in advance to handle future scenarios. It implies a state of being pre-emptively automated to function seamlessly without human intervention when specific conditions are met.
insedess
C1Describing a state of remaining in one location or maintaining an inactive, sedentary posture. It is often used in technical or formal contexts to characterize organisms, habits, or lifestyles that lack movement or migration.
interpunctive
C1Relating to the marks or signs used in punctuation to separate sentences and their elements. It describes the structural use of points or symbols to clarify the meaning and rhythm of a written text.
comloquward
C1Describes a person who is excessively talkative in a socially clumsy or uncoordinated manner. It specifically refers to the combination of being verbose while simultaneously lacking the grace to navigate conversational cues effectively.
circumjurent
C1A person who takes a legal oath within a specific surrounding territory or boundary, often to verify land limits or local facts. In an archaic or specialized legal context, it refers to a witness who confirms the truth of a matter based on their presence in the surrounding area.
comvester
C1A comvester is an individual who participates in community-based investment, pooling financial resources with others to support local projects or social enterprises. This role combines traditional investment goals with a focus on social impact and collective community benefit.
antitractent
C1Describing a force or substance that exerts a repelling influence, tending to push away rather than attract. It is primarily used in technical or scientific contexts to describe physical properties or behaviors that resist being drawn together.
triludary
C1To engage in a complex tripartite evaluation or negotiation process involving three distinct parties, stages, or perspectives. It is used to describe the act of reaching a balanced resolution or synthesis through three-way interaction.
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