respiratory
Relating to or affecting respiration or the organs used in breathing. It is most frequently used to describe biological systems, medical conditions, or health functions involving the lungs and airways.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his respiratory issues.
The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his breathing-related issues.
Clinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Clinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute breathing-related distress syndrome.
My respiratory health has been much better since I quit smoking.
My lung health has been much better since I quit smoking.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
The 'spir' in respiratory is the same as in 'spirit' and 'inspire'. Just as a spirit is the 'breath of life', respiratory relates to your breath.
Quick Quiz
The patient was admitted to the hospital with a severe ____ infection.
Correct!
The correct answer is: respiratory
Examples
The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his respiratory issues.
everydayThe doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his breathing-related issues.
Clinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
formalClinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute breathing-related distress syndrome.
My respiratory health has been much better since I quit smoking.
informalMy lung health has been much better since I quit smoking.
The study examines the impact of urban pollution on respiratory capacity in children.
academicThe study examines the impact of urban pollution on breathing capacity in children.
Safety regulations require workers to wear respiratory masks in the paint shop.
businessSafety regulations require workers to wear breathing-protection masks in the paint shop.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
upper respiratory tract
The nose, mouth, and throat area
respiratory arrest
When a person stops breathing entirely
artificial respiratory support
Help from a machine to breathe
Often Confused With
Respiratory is an adjective describing the system, while a respirator is a noun referring to a mask or breathing machine.
Perspiratory relates to sweating, while respiratory relates to breathing.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing health, biology, or air quality. It is almost always used as an adjective modifying a noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'respiratory' when they should use the noun 'respiration' (e.g., saying 'his respiratory is fast' instead of 'his respiration is fast').
Memory Tip
The 'spir' in respiratory is the same as in 'spirit' and 'inspire'. Just as a spirit is the 'breath of life', respiratory relates to your breath.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'respirare', combining 're-' (again) and 'spirare' (to breathe).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Increased public awareness of this term occurred globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Quiz
The patient was admitted to the hospital with a severe ____ infection.
Correct!
The correct answer is: respiratory
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