B1verb1K

Breathe

UK /["/briːð/","/briːðz/","/briːðd/","/ˈbriːðɪŋ/"]/US /["/briːð/","/briːðz/","/briːðd/","/ˈbriːðɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to take air into your lungs and send it out again through your nose or mouth

In simple words: To take air into your lungs and release it.

Examples

  • It's important to breathe deeply when you are feeling stressed.
  • After running a long distance, I needed to breathe heavily to catch my breath.
  • She was instructed to breathe out slowly to help her relax.
  • During yoga, we often focus on how to breathe properly.
  • Fish need water to breathe, as they extract oxygen from it.
  • He was so scared that he forgot to breathe for a moment.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate when discussing health, relaxation, or physical activity. Avoid in overly technical discussions about respiration.

Grammar pattern

breathe + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'breathe in' - think of filling your lungs with fresh air.

Collocations

  • fast
  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • can
  • can barely
  • can hardly
  • through
  • huskily
  • quietly
  • softly

Synonyms

  • inhale
  • exhale
  • respire
  • draw breath
  • ventilate

Antonyms

  • suffocate
  • choke
  • hold breath

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'breath' which is the noun form.
  • Using the wrong verb forms such as 'breathed' instead of 'breathe' for present tense.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'breth' instead of 'breathe'.