The phrase "breathes last" is a common way to describe the moment of death. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /bɹiːðz ləst/. The spelling of "breathes" is straightforward: the "ea" makes the long "e" sound, followed by the "th" sound and the "s" sound. The spelling of "last" is similarly straightforward, using the combination of the "a" and "s" sounds with the "t" at the end. Together, these two words form a simple yet powerful phrase that holds deep meaning for those who have witnessed the passing of a loved one.
The phrase "breathes last" refers to the final exhalation of breath by an individual, symbolizing the moment of their death. It describes the action of expelling the last breath from their lungs, often in a quiet and lingering manner. This phrase has deep roots in the understanding of human mortality and the end of life as a whole.
"Breathes last" encapsulates the notion that life and breath are intrinsically connected. It recognizes that the absence of breathing signifies the permanent departure of life from a person's body. This phrase is commonly used to describe the dying process, expressing the transition from life to death.
The last breath in the context of "breathes last" holds a symbolic significance beyond its biological function. It represents the moment when the soul is believed to leave the body, departing from earthly existence. It is seen as the ultimate indication of the end of one's journey in the physical world.
This phrase is often used in literary, poetic, or dramatic contexts to convey the poignant and final moments of a character's life. It can evoke emotions of sadness, grief, or even acceptance and serenity. Furthermore, "breathes last" can serve as a metaphorical expression for significant endings or conclusions in various other contexts beyond human mortality, highlighting the notion of finality.
The phrase "breathes last" is not seen as an individual word but rather as a combination of words. The word "breathes" is derived from the Old English word "brǣð", which refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling air. It evolved into the Middle English word "brethen" and ultimately became "breathe" in Modern English.
The word "last", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "lǣst", meaning "latest" or "final". It developed from the Proto-Germanic word "*laisistaz" and is related to the Old High German word "lazist" and the Gothic word "laists".
When these two words are combined, "breathes last" usually refers to the final breath or moment of someone's life.