The word "breathy" is spelled with the letters B-R-E-A-T-H-Y, and its phonetic transcription is /ˈbreði/. The 'th' sound in the middle of the word is the unvoiced dental fricative sound, which is made by placing the tongue behind the upper teeth and blowing air through the small gap. The 'y' at the end of the word represents the sound /i/ which is a close front unrounded vowel. When pronounced correctly, the word "breathy" should sound like "BREH-thee."
Breathy is an adjective that describes the quality or characteristic of producing sound or speech with an audible expulsion of breath. It refers to a manner of speaking or singing in which the vocal cords are not fully closed during phonation, resulting in an increased perception of breath or airiness in the sound produced. This effect can be heard when there is a noticeable and deliberate release of air as one speaks, sings, or produces sounds.
The term "breathy" is frequently used in the context of describing a spoken or sung voice. It is often associated with a soft, gentle, or whispery quality, as if the voice is infused with extra breath. A breathy voice is characterized by the presence of audible exhalations during the production of sounds, which can create a sense of intimacy, vulnerability, or even sensuality.
Breathy sounds can also be intentionally used in various musical styles, such as jazz, pop, or soul, to add expressive emphasis or emotion to a vocal performance. In addition to voice, the term "breathy" can also describe certain musical instruments, like the flute or saxophone, where the performer intentionally allows the sound to be shaped and influenced by the flow of breath through the instrument.
Overall, "breathy" emphasizes the audible presence of breath in speech or sound production, creating a distinct and often desirable characteristic in both vocal and instrumental performances.
The word "breathy" derives from the noun "breath" combined with the adjectival suffix "-y". The noun "breath" is derived from the Old English word "brǣð" which means 'odor, scent, exhalation.' It is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "bræthaz". Over time, "brǣð" evolved into "breath" in Middle English and eventually led to the formation of the adjective "breathy". The suffix "-y" is often used to form adjectives from nouns, indicating that something has the quality or characteristics associated with the root word. Hence, "breathy" describes something that is related to, or characterized by breath or breathing.