breathing
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for breathing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The process of drawing air into and out of the lungs.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The process of drawing air into and out of the lungs.
“The doctor listened to his breathing and said his chest sounded clear.”
2. adj
Alive; living.
“He was the only breathing soul left in the abandoned village.”
eupneic
eupnoeic
Opposites
How to use breathing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deep breathing
breathing exercises
breathing space
Frequently asked questions
What does “breathing” mean?
The word “breathing” means the process of drawing air into and out of the lungs. In plain terms, the ongoing act of taking air in and out — or, as an adjective, simply "alive.".
How do you pronounce “breathing”?
“Breathing” is pronounced BREE-thihng (/ˈbɹiðɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “breathing” in a sentence?
Here is “breathing” used in a sentence: “The instructor guided them through slow, controlled breathing.”
What part of speech is “breathing”?
Depending on how it is used, “breathing” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “breathing” a common word?
“Breathing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “breathing” have?
“Breathing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of drawing air into and out of the lungs.
What is the difference between "breathing" and "respiration"?
"Breathing" is the everyday word for drawing air into and out of the lungs. "Respiration" is a broader, more technical term that can also cover the cellular process by which the body releases energy from oxygen. All breathing is respiration, but not all respiration is breathing.
How is "breathing" used in the phrase "living and breathing"?
In "living and breathing," the word "breathing" is used as an adjective meaning alive. It stresses that someone is a real, living person, as in "a living, breathing human being."
What is the difference between "breathing" and "panting"?
"Breathing" is the neutral term for moving air in and out of the lungs, while "panting" means breathing quickly and heavily, usually after exertion or in heat. Panting is a specific, laboured kind of breathing.
