Breath Meaning

UK /brɛθ/
US /brɛθ/
Word Definition
breath meaning

Breath Definition & Usage

noun

The act or process of inhaling and exhaling air from the lungs.

Examples

  • "She took a deep breath before stepping onto the stage."
  • "After running up the stairs, his breath was quick and shallow."
  • "He paused for a moment to catch his breath after the long hike."
  • "The cold air took my breath away as I stepped outside."
  • "In meditation, focusing on your breath helps to center your mind."
noun

A brief moment of rest or pause, often used to recover or reflect.

Examples

  • "Let's take a breath before we continue with the meeting."
  • "She needed a breath of fresh air to clear her mind."
  • "After hours of hard work, he finally had a breath of relief."
  • "The long silence between them was a breath of tension."
  • "Taking a breath during a stressful situation can help you stay calm."
noun

A symbol of life, vitality, or existence, often referenced in spiritual, religious, or poetic contexts.

Examples

  • "In many traditions, breath is considered the essence of life."
  • "The poet captured the breath of the earth in his verses."
  • "In some Eastern philosophies, the breath connects mind, body, and spirit."
  • "Her first breath was a miracle, marking the start of a new life."
  • "The artist breathed life into his sculpture with every careful detail."

Cultural Context

Breathing is universally recognized as vital for life, but it also carries significant cultural and spiritual meanings. In many Eastern traditions, breath is closely tied to meditation and spiritual practice. In Western contexts, it can symbolize life or vitality, as seen in the phrase 'the breath of life'. In literature, it’s often used to describe a fleeting moment of pause or reflection. Breathing can also be a metaphor for renewal, peace, or creativity.

The Breath of Peace

Story

The Breath of Peace

On a crisp autumn morning, Sarah stood on the edge of the forest, the soft breeze tugging at her hair. Her body was tired, aching from a long hike, but as she paused and closed her eyes, she took a deep breath. The cool air filled her lungs, fresh and sweet. It was as if the world was holding its breath with her, a quiet moment suspended in time. 'I need a breath of fresh air,' she thought, smiling to herself. She had spent the last few months working tirelessly at the office, running on fumes, always moving from one task to the next. But out here, in the wilderness, it was different. Here, every breath seemed to carry with it a new sense of clarity, a restoration of both body and mind. The wind whispered through the trees, a gentle reminder that life was all about moments like this. A moment to breathe, to pause. Sarah had forgotten what it felt like to take a breath—not just physically, but mentally, to let go of everything and just be present. After a few moments, Sarah continued on her walk, but something had shifted. Each step now felt lighter, her mind clearer. She remembered the feeling of breathlessness when she had been overwhelmed by work. But now, with each breath, she felt more connected to herself and the world around her. Later, as she sat down by a creek to rest, she realized how much this simple act of breathing had changed her perspective. In that brief moment of rest, she had rediscovered peace. 'Breath,' she thought, 'is truly the essence of life.'

The Breath of Peace