B2 adjective Neutral

respiratory

/rɪˈspɪr.ə.tər.i/

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 5
1

The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his respiratory issues.

The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his breathing-related issues.

2

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.

3

My respiratory health has been much better since I quit smoking.

My lung health has been much better since I quit smoking.

Word Family

Noun
respiration
Verb
respire
Adverb
respiratorily
Adjective
respiratory
Related
respirator
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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

1

The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his respiratory issues.

everyday

The doctor suggested a humidifier to help with his breathing-related issues.

2

Clinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

formal

Clinical trials are focusing on new treatments for acute breathing-related distress syndrome.

3

My respiratory health has been much better since I quit smoking.

informal

My lung health has been much better since I quit smoking.

4

The study examines the impact of urban pollution on respiratory capacity in children.

academic

The study examines the impact of urban pollution on breathing capacity in children.

5

Safety regulations require workers to wear respiratory masks in the paint shop.

business

Safety regulations require workers to wear breathing-protection masks in the paint shop.

Word Family

Noun
respiration
Verb
respire
Adverb
respiratorily
Adjective
respiratory
Related
respirator

Common Collocations

respiratory system The set of organs responsible for breathing
respiratory tract The passages through which air travels in the body
respiratory failure A condition where the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen
respiratory rate The number of breaths taken per minute
respiratory infection An illness affecting the breathing organs

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 vs respirator

Respiratory is an adjective describing the system, while a respirator is a noun referring to a mask or breathing machine.

respiratory vs perspiratory

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

Used primarily as an attributive adjective before a noun. Does not have comparative or superlative forms.
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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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