breath

[ breth ]

noun

1. the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration.
2. respiration, especially as necessary to life.
3. life; vitality.

   Synonyms: force, vigor, animation, spirit

4. the ability to breathe easily and normally:

   She stopped to regain her breath.

5. time to breathe; pause or respite:

   Give him a little breath.

6. a single inhalation or respiration:

   He took a deep breath.

7. the brief time required for a single respiration; a moment or instant:

   They gave it to her and took it away all in a breath.

8. a slight suggestion, hint, or whisper:

   The breath of slander never touched her.

9. a light current of air.
10. Phonetics.
    1. the air drawn into or expelled from the lungs to provide the generative source for most speech sounds.
    2. the audible expiration generating voiceless speech sounds, as ( p ), ( k ), ( sh ), etc.
11. moisture emitted in respiration, especially when condensed and visible.
12. a trivial circumstance; trifle.
13. an odorous exhalation, or the air impregnated by it.
14. Obsolete. exhalation or vapor.

breath

/ brɛθ /

noun

1. the intake and expulsion of air during respiration
2. the air inhaled or exhaled during respiration
3. a single respiration or inhalation of air, etc
4. the vapour, heat, or odour of exhaled air

   his breath on the window melted the frost

5. a slight gust of air
6. a short pause or rest

   take a breath for five minutes

7. a brief time

   it was done in a breath

8. a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion

   a breath of scandal

9. a whisper or soft sound
10. life, energy, or vitality

    the breath of new industry

11. phonetics the passage of air through the completely open glottis without vibration of the vocal cords, as in exhaling or pronouncing fricatives such as (f) or (h) or stops such as (p) or (k) Compare voice
12. a breath of fresh air
    a refreshing change from what one is used to
13. catch one's breath
    to rest until breathing is normal, esp after exertion
14. hold one's breath
    to wait expectantly or anxiously
15. in the same breath
    done or said at the same time
16. out of breath
    gasping for air after exertion
17. save one's breath
    to refrain from useless talk
18. take one's breath away
    to overwhelm with surprise, etc
19. under one's breath or below one's breath
    in a quiet voice or whisper

Other Words From

• inter·breath adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of breath¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English breeth, breth, Old English brǣth “smell, exhalation”; akin to German Brodem “vapor, steam”

Word History and Origins

Origin of breath¹

Old English brǣth ; related to brǣdan to burn, Old High German brādam heat, breath

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. below / under one's breath, in a low voice or whisper; sotto voce:

   He protested under his breath because he was afraid to speak up.

2. catch one's breath, to pause or rest before continuing an activity or beginning a new one; resume regular breathing:

   Let me catch my breath before I begin anything new.

3. in the same breath, at virtually the same time; almost simultaneously:

   She lost her temper and apologized in the same breath.

4. out of breath, exhausted or gasping for breath, in consequence of an effort; breathless:

   After climbing to the top of the tower, we were so out of breath that we had to sit down.

5. save one's breath, to avoid futile talk or discussion:

   We were told to save our breath because the matter had already been decided.

6. take away one's breath, to make one as if breathless with astonishment; surprise; stun: Also take one's breath away.

   The sheer beauty of the sea took away my breath.

More idioms and phrases containing breath

In addition to the idiom beginning with breath , also see catch one's breath ; hold one's breath ; in the same breath ; out of breath ; save one's breath ; take one's breath away ; under one's breath ; waste one's breath ; with bated breath .

Example Sentences

“Wicked” was a breath of fresh, fantastical air in the musical theater world.

From Salon

Deep breath in, slow breath out… Isn't it odd that we can self-soothe by slowing down our breathing?

From Science Daily

Figure out how many anchor flowers you’ll need, and roughly how many filler stems — such as greens, draping clusters of amaranth or smaller flowers like baby’s breath — are required to make each arrangement.

From Los Angeles Times

"I took a deep breath and waited for the whistle, and as Tony told me, I took it with my left foot."

From BBC

Adults may consider narrating their self-soothing techniques, such as saying, "I'm feeling frustrated, so I'm going to take a deep breath."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• sigh
• smell
• whiff