BREATH Meaning and
Definition
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Breath is a noun that refers to the process of inhaling and exhaling air. It is the act of taking oxygen in and releasing carbon dioxide out of the lungs. Breath is a vital function necessary for the survival of living beings, as it supplies oxygen to cells and removes waste gases from the body.
In a broader sense, breath can also describe the air that is taken in or released during respiration. It can pertain to the odor or fragrance of a person's breath, which can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, or certain medical conditions.
Furthermore, breath can be used metaphorically to describe a short pause in speech or a moment in which one gathers their thoughts. For example, "He took a deep breath before delivering the news." In this context, breath signifies a momentary pause or calmness before proceeding.
Additionally, breath can connote an individual's stamina, endurance, or physical condition. Phrases such as "out of breath" or "catching one's breath" are commonly used to describe exhaustion after physical exertion.
The word breath has deep symbolism in many cultures and spiritual practices. It is associated with life force, energy, and the connection between body and mind. Techniques like deep breathing and breath control are often employed for relaxation, meditation, and stress reduction.
Overall, breath encompasses the physical act of breathing, the air that is inhaled or exhaled, as well as various metaphorical and symbolic meanings associated with respiration and vitality.
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1. The respired air. 2. An inspiration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Air drawn into the lungs of animals and driven out from the same-in man and the more highly organised animals through the mouth and nostrils; respiration; a single drawing in and driving out of air; a gentle breeze of air; life; pause; time to breathe; an instant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BREATH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BREATH
Etymology of BREATH
The word "breath" has its origins in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bræða". This Proto-Germanic term is related to the Old High German word "bradam" and the Old Norse word "andrǫð". These words all share the common meaning of "smell, exhalation". The ultimate root of "breath" is believed to be the Proto-Indo-European base word "*bhrē-" which meant "to boil, rise".
Idioms with the word BREATH
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save your breath
The idiom "save your breath" means to stop wasting your time and energy by speaking or arguing, as it is unlikely to change the other person's mind or result in a desired outcome.
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under your breath
The idiom "under your breath" refers to speaking in a whisper or low volume, usually in a way that is not intended to be heard by others. It suggests saying something quietly or mumbling so that others may not catch what is being said.
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waste your breath
The idiom "waste your breath" means to expend effort or speak in vain or without desired results. It implies that the act of talking or arguing is pointless or futile.
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draw breath
The idiom "draw breath" means to take a moment or pause in one's actions or conversation, typically to relax, rest, or recover before proceeding further. It refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling, emphasizing the need to catch one's breath and gather strength.
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Save breath
The idiom "save breath" means to conserve one's energy or effort by refraining from speaking or arguing further, especially when it is unlikely to change or influence a situation or person's opinion. It suggests that engaging in further discussion or persuasion would be a waste of time and effort.
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under breath
The idiom "under breath" refers to speaking quietly or mumbling something so that it is barely audible, usually done intentionally to express disapproval, frustration, or annoyance without being confrontational or causing conflict.
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not hold your breath
The idiom "not hold your breath" means to not expect something to happen anytime soon or to not have high hopes for a specific outcome. It implies a sense of skepticism or doubt about the possibility or timing of the expected event.
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hold your breath
The idiom "hold your breath" means to anxiously wait in anticipation for something to happen or to continue waiting for something that is unlikely to happen.
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catch your breath
The idiom "catch your breath" is defined as taking a moment to rest and recover after exertion, typically following physical activity or a period of intense emotions, in order to breathe normally again.
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waste one's breath
To "waste one's breath" means to expend effort in vain or to speak or argue fruitlessly without any hope of achieving the desired outcome or influencing someone's opinion. It suggests that the words spoken are useless and will not lead to any productive or meaningful result.
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Save one's breath
The idiom "save one's breath" means to refrain from wasting one's time and effort in giving advice or making an argument because it is likely to be ignored or ineffective. It implies that it is pointless to speak because the person being addressed will not listen or cannot be convinced.
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hold one's breath
The idiom "hold one's breath" means to stop breathing temporarily or to remain in a state of anticipation or suspense, usually in anticipation of a specific outcome or result. It implies waiting anxiously or with great anticipation for something to happen.
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catch one's breath
The idiom "catch one's breath" means to pause momentarily to rest and regain composure after engaging in an activity that has caused physical exertion or excitement. It can also refer to taking a short break to gather one's thoughts or emotions before continuing with a task or situation.
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catch breath
The idiom "catch breath" means to take a moment to rest or recover, typically after exertion or while facing a challenging or surprising situation. It refers to pausing momentarily to regain composure, gather thoughts, or regain physical stamina.
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not hold breath
The idiom "not hold breath" means to not expect something to happen or not expect a particular outcome anytime soon. It implies skepticism or doubt about the likelihood or timing of a certain event or outcome.
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hold breath
The idiom "hold one's breath" means to wait in anticipation or suspense, often for an outcome or result that is uncertain or unpredictable. It implies that one is anxiously awaiting something and is prepared to react immediately once it occurs.
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under one's breath
The idiom "under one's breath" refers to speaking in a low or soft voice, often intentionally, so that only a few people can hear the words being spoken.
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get your breath (again/back)
The idiom "get your breath (again/back)" means to recover one's breath or regain one's composure after physically exerting oneself or experiencing a moment of shock or surprise. It implies taking a brief pause or break to regain one's energy or composure before continuing with a task or situation.
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his/her last/dying breath
The idiom "his/her last/dying breath" refers to the final moment before someone dies. It can also metaphorically refer to someone's utmost effort or determination until the very end.
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curse (someone or something) under (one's) breath
The idiom "curse (someone or something) under (one's) breath" means to express strong disapproval, anger, or frustration towards someone or something in a quiet or whispered manner, typically to avoid confrontation or to avoid being overheard. It implies muttering or saying something negative about a person or thing in a low voice.
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curse (someone) under (one's) breath
The idiom "curse (someone) under (one's) breath" means to criticize or express anger towards someone, but in a quiet or barely audible manner that is not intended to be heard by the person being cursed. It refers to silently or discreetly expressing negative thoughts or feelings about someone.
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in one breath
The idiom "in one breath" is used to describe the act of speaking or mentioning two contrasting, contradictory, or unrelated ideas, statements, or facts immediately or closely together. It implies that someone quickly moves from one topic to another without any hesitation or break.
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in the next breath
The idiom "in the next breath" means that something is said immediately after or very soon following something else, often contradicting or contrasting it. It emphasizes a quick change in topic or a sudden shift in perspective.
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not hold (one's) breath
The idiom "not hold (one's) breath" means to not have high expectations or anticipation for something to happen. It implies that the outcome being hoped for is unlikely or uncertain, therefore it would not be advised to wait for it with bated breath.
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waste breath
The idiom "waste breath" refers to expending energy or effort in vain, usually in attempting to persuade or convince someone who is unlikely to change their mind or pay attention. It implies that speaking or arguing would be a futile or ineffective use of one's breath.
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take someone's breath away
The idiom "take someone's breath away" means to cause someone to feel incredibly surprised, amazed, or overwhelmed in a way that leaves them speechless or temporarily unable to breathe due to the intensity of their emotional or visual experience.
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take sb's breath away
The idiom "take someone's breath away" means to be so amazed, surprised, or impressed by something or someone that it literally or figuratively takes their breath away. It refers to a breathtaking or awe-inspiring experience or sight that is overwhelming in its beauty, grandeur, or impact.
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breathe (one's) last (breath)
To "breathe one's last breath" means to die or reach the moment of death. It refers to the act of taking one's final breath before passing away.
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the breath of life to/for somebody
The idiom "the breath of life to/for somebody" refers to something or someone that is essential for someone's existence, well-being, or happiness. It implies that without that particular thing or person, the individual would feel incomplete or unable to thrive. It highlights the importance and significance of that specific element in their life.
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get (one's) breath back
The idiom "get (one's) breath back" means to recover one's breath or regain the ability to breathe normally again after physical exertion or being out of breath. It can also be used figuratively to refer to regaining composure or recovering from a stressful or exhausting situation.
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take somebody’s breath away
The idiom "take somebody's breath away" means to surprise, astonish, or impress someone greatly, usually with something beautiful, stunning, or remarkable. It can be used to describe a situation or an object that is so breathtakingly beautiful or extraordinary that it momentarily leaves someone speechless or in awe.
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with bated breath
The idiom "with bated breath" means to wait eagerly and anxiously for something, often holding one's breath in anticipation.
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be wasting your breath
The idiom "be wasting your breath" means to be speaking or pleading in vain, as the other person is not listening, or is unlikely to be convinced or influenced by what is being said. It implies that the effort spent in trying to persuade or communicate with the person is futile or a waste of time.
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the breath of life
The idiom "the breath of life" refers to the essential or vital element that sustains or gives life to someone or something. It symbolizes the life force or energy that is necessary for existence or vitality.
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be holding your breath
The idiom "be holding your breath" means to be anxiously anticipating something or waiting eagerly for a particular outcome. It implies being in a state of suspense or impatient expectation.
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mutter (something) under (one's) breath
The idiom "mutter (something) under (one's) breath" refers to quietly speaking or murmuring something in a barely audible manner, usually done to express dissatisfaction, discontent, or annoyance without particularly wanting it to be heard by others.
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the/(one's) last breath
The idiom "the/(one's) last breath" typically refers to the final moment before death or the point at which someone is about to die. It signifies the very end of one's life or the final instance of one's existence. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the utmost effort or determination put into something, as if it were one's final act before the end.
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keep your breath to cool your porridge
The idiom "keep your breath to cool your porridge" is a humorous way of telling someone to stay silent or not waste their words on something that is trivial, insignificant, or not worth mentioning. It suggests that instead of speaking, one should focus on more important or meaningful matters.
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don't hold your breath 1
The idiom "don't hold your breath" means not to expect something to happen anytime soon or to have very little hope that something will occur.
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gasp for breath
The idiom "gasp for breath" means to struggle or laboriously inhale air due to extreme exhaustion, physical exertion, or a lack of breath. It is often used to describe someone who is out of breath, struggling to breathe, or experiencing respiratory distress.
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bated breath
The idiom "bated breath" refers to the state of anticipation, excitement, or anxiety that causes someone to hold their breath or breathe shallowly. It is often used to describe a feeling of intense suspense or eagerness while waiting for something important or significant to happen.
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draw (one's) last breath
The idiom "draw (one's) last breath" means to take one's final breath and die. It refers to the moment of a person's death or the last expiration of life before passing away.
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say something, speak, etc. under your breath
The idiom "say something, speak, etc. under your breath" refers to speaking or uttering something very quietly or in a low voice, typically so that only the speaker can hear it or to intentionally keep it hidden or discreet from others present.
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take somebody's breath away
The idiom "take somebody's breath away" means to astonish or amaze someone to the point of being temporarily speechless or overwhelmed. It is often used to describe something or someone that provokes a strong and positive emotional response.
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below (one's) breath
The idiom "below (one's) breath" refers to speaking softly or muttering something in a barely audible manner, often done in a way that others might not hear or fully understand what is being said.
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take your breath away
The idiom "take your breath away" means to astonish or amaze someone to the point that it momentarily leaves them speechless or breathless due to the extreme beauty, wonder, or surprise of something.
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get your breath back
The idiom "get your breath back" means to recover from physical exertion or exhaustion and return to a normal breathing rhythm and state of rest.
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(all) in one breath
The idiom "(all) in one breath" refers to saying or doing multiple things rapidly or without pausing in between. It suggests that all the actions or statements were performed quickly or without breaks, typically indicating efficiency or intensity.
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with your last/dying breath
The idiom "with your last/dying breath" refers to speaking or doing something right before one's death or in a moment of extreme exhaustion or weakness. It emphasizes the significance or intensity of an action or statement made under such circumstances.
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time to catch breath
The idiom "time to catch breath" refers to taking a short pause or break, allowing oneself to relax, recover, or regroup before continuing with a task or activity. It is often used in situations where one feels overwhelmed or needs a moment to gather their thoughts or energy.
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a breath of fresh air
The idiom "a breath of fresh air" refers to something or someone that is refreshing, new, or invigorating compared to what is usually experienced or encountered. It typically represents a positive change or a rejuvenating influence that brings relief, excitement, or a sense of renewal to a situation or atmosphere.
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breath of fresh air
The idiom "breath of fresh air" refers to something or someone that brings new and refreshing ideas, perspectives, or energy to a situation or environment. It often indicates a positive change or a break from monotony, providing a sense of rejuvenation or excitement.
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get a/(one's) second breath
The idiom "get a/(one's) second breath" refers to the act of pausing momentarily to rest and recover, especially after physical exertion or emotional strain. It signifies regaining one's energy, composure, or composure after feeling tired, overwhelmed, or overwhelmed.
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be holding (one's) breath
The idiom "be holding (one's) breath" means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something to happen, often with little hope or expectation of the desired outcome. It implies a sense of anticipation while also acknowledging the possibility of disappointment or a negative result.
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take one's breath away
The idiom "take one's breath away" means to be extremely impressive or breathtaking, leaving a person momentarily speechless or in awe. It describes something or someone that is so beautiful, surprising, or astonishing that it leaves a profound impact on their senses or emotions.
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in the same (or the next) breath
The idiom "in the same (or the next) breath" refers to when someone immediately or abruptly switches topics or expresses contrasting ideas within a short amount of time or statement. It implies that the subjects or ideas mentioned are seemingly unrelated or contradictory.
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take a breath
The idiom "take a breath" means to pause or cease one's current activity, often in order to relax, recuperate, or gain composure. It is a figurative expression that suggests the need to stop and gather oneself before continuing with a task or situation.
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a waste of breath
The idiom "a waste of breath" refers to the act of expending energy or effort to say or communicate something that is likely to be ultimately futile or ineffective. It implies that the words spoken will not have any meaningful impact or result in a desired outcome.
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with every breath
The idiom "with every breath" is used to convey the intensity or extreme commitment to an action or belief. It means doing something or holding onto a belief with utmost dedication and passion, giving it priority and attention in every aspect of one's life.
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mention somebody/something in the same breath
The idiom "mention somebody/something in the same breath" means to talk about or refer to two or more people or things in a single statement, usually to convey a comparison or association between them. This idiom implies that the individuals or things being mentioned together are of similar or equal importance, significance, or relevance to the topic being discussed.
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out of breath
The idiom "out of breath" means to be panting or experiencing difficulty breathing due to physical exertion or exhaustion. It describes a state where one's breathing becomes rapid and shallow, often accompanied by fatigue.
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draw a breath
The idiom "draw a breath" means to take a pause or a moment to rest and recover, often used when one is physically or mentally exhausted.
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say, etc. something in the same breath
The idiom "say something in the same breath" means to mention or state two contradictory or incongruent things at the same time, usually indicating a lack of consistency or coherence in one's speech or thoughts. It implies that the speaker is expressing conflicting or contrasting ideas without realizing the inconsistency.
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don't hold your breath 2
The idiom "don't hold your breath" means that one should not expect something to happen or anticipate it happening anytime soon. It implies that the outcome is unlikely or will take a long time to materialize.
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Don't hold your breath
The idiom "Don't hold your breath" means don't expect something to happen anytime soon or don't expect something to happen at all. It implies that the desired outcome is highly unlikely or will take a long time to occur.
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with every (other) breath
The idiom "with every (other) breath" refers to someone doing or saying something frequently or constantly. It implies that the action or statement is so regular that it occurs each time the person breathes.
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take breath away
The idiom "take breath away" means to leave someone extremely surprised, amazed, or overwhelmed by something or someone's beauty, excellence, or shock value.
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take a deep breath
The idiom "take a deep breath" means to pause, relax, and calm oneself before proceeding or dealing with a difficult or stressful situation. It involves inhaling deeply and slowly, which helps to regulate breathing and alleviate anxiety or tension.
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(like) a breath of fresh air
The idiom "(like) a breath of fresh air" is used to describe something or someone that brings a refreshing and invigorating change to a situation or environment. It refers to something or someone new, different, or innovative that brings a sense of renewal, energy, and positivity.
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take sm's breath away
The idiom "take someone's breath away" means to astonish or awe someone to the point where they are left speechless or deeply affected by the beauty, grandeur, or intensity of something. It describes a powerful emotional or physical impact that leaves someone momentarily unable to react or respond.
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I don't have time to catch my breath
The idiom "I don't have time to catch my breath" means that someone is extremely busy or overwhelmed and does not have a moment to rest or relax. It implies a hectic or chaotic situation where there is constant activity or a constant demand for one's attention or efforts.
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in the same breath
The idiom "in the same breath" is used to describe a situation where two contrasting or conflicting statements or ideas are mentioned simultaneously or very closely together. It implies that the two statements are so closely related that they are uttered almost simultaneously, without any apparent contradiction or hesitation.
Similar spelling words for BREATH
- breadth,
- braid,
- breach,
- braud,
- bratty,
- Breda,
- bread,
- britt,
- brideau,
- braddy,
- Brett,
- brode,
- broth,
- broad,
- breth,
- brute,
- Bret,
- brady,
- broady,
- brit,
- brith,
- brut,
- Brite,
- breathe,
- bruit,
- BRATT,
- brat,
- bradt,
- wreath,
- Brede,
- Brodt,
- brad,
- breit,
- breed,
- brott,
- bride.
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