breath
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for breath, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The air drawn into or expelled from the lungs; a single instance of breathing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use breath
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English brǣþ, originally referring to a vapor or scent, related to a Germanic word for exhaled vapor.
Full origin of breath →Frequently asked questions
What does “breath” mean?
The word “breath” means the air drawn into or expelled from the lungs; a single instance of breathing. In plain terms, the air you breathe in and out, or figuratively, the faintest trace of something.
How do you pronounce “breath”?
“Breath” is pronounced brehth (/bɹɛθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “breath” in a sentence?
Here is “breath” used in a sentence: “She took a deep breath before diving in.”
What part of speech is “breath”?
“Breath” is a noun.
Where does the word “breath” come from?
The word “breath” comes from Old English. From Old English brǣþ, originally referring to a vapor or scent, related to a Germanic word for exhaled vapor.
Is “breath” a common word?
“Breath” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “breath” have?
“Breath” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the air drawn into or expelled from the lungs; a single instance of breathing.
What is the difference between breath and breathe?
Breath is a noun, the air you take in or let out, and rhymes with 'death.' Breathe is the verb, the act of taking that air in and out, and rhymes with 'seethe.' You take a breath, but you breathe. The extra 'e' and the softer sound mark the verb.
What is the difference between breath and breadth?
Breath is the air moving in and out of your lungs. Breadth is the measurement of how wide something is, or its range, as in 'the breadth of her knowledge.' They look similar but are unrelated; breath concerns breathing, while breadth concerns width or extent.
What does 'take a breath' mean?
Literally, to take a breath is to draw air into your lungs. Figuratively, the phrase means to pause and calm yourself, as in 'take a breath before you answer.' It suggests stopping for a moment to steady your nerves or gather your thoughts before continuing.
What is a 'breath of fresh air'?
Literally it means clean outdoor air, welcome after being indoors. As an idiom, 'a breath of fresh air' describes a person or thing that feels refreshingly new, different, or welcome, as in 'her honesty was a breath of fresh air.' It carries a positive, uplifting tone.