Breathe Meaning
Breathe Definition & Usage
To inhale and exhale air through the lungs, typically as part of the respiratory process.
Examples
- "She closed her eyes and tried to breathe deeply to calm herself."
- "The doctor instructed the patient to breathe slowly during the examination."
- "The fresh air made it easier to breathe, easing the tightness in his chest."
- "After running, he could barely breathe, his chest heaving with each labored inhale."
- "I told him to breathe through his nose and out through his mouth to relax."
To express or convey something, often used in phrases that signify emotional or mental release.
Examples
- "She was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief when she passed the exam."
- "After the stressful week, all he needed was some time to breathe and recharge."
- "He felt like he could finally breathe again after the argument was over."
- "In the middle of the chaos, they found a moment to breathe and reflect."
- "When the project was completed, the team took a moment to breathe and appreciate their hard work."
To live, survive, or function, especially in difficult or oppressive circumstances.
Examples
- "In the harsh desert, it's hard to breathe without the proper gear."
- "She felt suffocated in the toxic work environment, like she could barely breathe."
- "The city was so polluted that it was almost impossible to breathe without a mask."
- "The dense forest was so thick with fog that he could barely breathe properly."
- "In the overcrowded subway, it was difficult to breathe with so many people around."
Cultural Context
Breathing is a vital biological function and often used metaphorically to represent life, ease, or release in literature and everyday conversation. The act of breathing deeply or slowly is associated with calmness and stress relief in many cultures.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Story
A Breath of Fresh Air
Sarah had always been a high-strung person. Between her demanding job as a graphic designer and her active social life, she often found herself overwhelmed by the constant pressure. One Thursday evening, she was finally home after a long, stressful day of back-to-back meetings and tight deadlines. She kicked off her shoes and plopped onto the couch, exhaling deeply. The chaos of the day seemed to suffocate her, and all she could think about was how she needed a break. As she sat there, her breathing slowed, and her mind started to calm. She took a deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs, and held it for a moment before slowly exhaling. It was a simple act, but it was like a reset for her whole system. A few deep breaths, and she felt more present, more at peace. The air felt fresher, as if it was inviting her to breathe freely again after days of stress. Sarah smiled to herself, realizing that all she needed was a moment to breathe — literally and figuratively. She decided to take the weekend off from her usual commitments, to recharge, to breathe, and to let go of the weight that had been pressing on her chest for so long.