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'.