Definition of Breath
Quick Meaning of Breath
The air you take in and push out of your body through your nose or mouth.
Detailed Definition of Breath
Air taken into and expelled from the lungs.
How to Pronounce Breath
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'death'. The 'ea' sounds like the 'e' in 'best', not the 'ee' in 'feet'.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it like 'brath' (with a short 'a' sound); it should sound like 'breth'.
Origin and Etymology of Breath
From Old English 'brǽth', related to 'breathe'.
How to Use Breath in a Sentence
Each example shows “breath” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She took a deep breath before diving into the pool.”
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“Hold your breath and count to ten.”
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“After running, he caught his breath by sitting down.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Breath
Common Synonyms for Breath
Smart Synonyms for Breath — When to Use Each
- respiration
- more formal and scientific term for breath
- wind
- informal term when you are short of breath
Common Collocations with Breath
These phrases pair with “breath” in everyday English:
- take a breath
- catch your breath
- hold your breath
- short of breath
- fresh breath
Common Mistakes When Using Breath
Even fluent speakers slip up with “breath”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He take a breath.
- ✓ Correct: He takes a breath.
- Why: Third person singular subject needs 'takes', not 'take'.
- ✗ Wrong: I breathed deeply many times.
- ✓ Correct: I breathed deeply several times.
- Why: 'Many times' is used with countable plural nouns; use 'several' or 'a lot of' instead for this context.
Other Forms of Breath
Frequently Asked Questions About Breath
What is the meaning of "Breath"?
The air you take in and push out of your body through your nose or mouth.
How do you pronounce "Breath"?
The IPA is /brɛθ/. Rhymes with 'death'. The 'ea' sounds like the 'e' in 'best', not the 'ee' in 'feet'.
What part of speech is "Breath"?
"Breath" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Breath"?
Common synonyms include air, respiration, exhalation.
How do you use "Breath" in a sentence?
For example: "She took a deep breath before diving into the pool."