Definition

Noun 1. The air taken into or expelled from the lungs: The air that is inhaled and exhaled during respiration. 2. A single act of breathing in and out: One complete cycle of inhalation and exhalation. 3. A slight movement of air: A very light wind or gentle current of air. 4. A hint or suggestion: An indirect indication or trace of something. 5. A brief pause or respite: A short moment of rest or relief.

Examples of Usage

• The air from respiration:
  • His breath smelled of coffee.
  • She could see her breath in the cold air.
• A single act of breathing:
  • Take a deep breath and relax.
  • He held his breath underwater for a minute.
• A slight movement of air:
  • Not a breath of wind stirred the leaves.
  • A cool breath of air came from the cave.
• A hint or suggestion:
  • There wasn't a breath of criticism in the review.
  • The story was told without a breath of exaggeration.
• A brief pause:
  • Let me take a moment to catch my breath.
  • It gives you a breath between tasks.

Advanced Usage

• "A breath of fresh air": Something new, different, and refreshing.
  • Her innovative ideas were a breath of fresh air for the company.
• "To save one's breath": To stop talking because it is pointless or will not be heeded.
  • Save your breath; he never listens to advice.
• "Under one's breath": In a very quiet voice, almost a whisper.
  • He muttered a complaint under his breath.

Variants and Related Words

• Breathe (verb): To inhale and exhale air.
  • It's hard to breathe at high altitudes.
• Breathless (adjective): Gasping for breath; also, feeling intense excitement or suspense.
  • She was breathless after running.
  • The audience was breathless with anticipation.
• Breathy (adjective): (Of a voice or sound) characterized by audible breath.
  • She spoke in a soft, breathy whisper.

Synonyms

• Respiration: The act of breathing.
• Puff: A short, quick blast of breath or air.
• Whiff: A slight trace or scent carried in the air.
• Hint: A slight or indirect indication.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Compounds

• Breath test: A test to measure the alcohol content in a person's breath.
  • The police officer administered a breath test.
• Breathalyzer (trademark): A device for conducting a breath test.

Related Idioms

• "To take someone's breath away": To astonish or amaze someone.
  • The beauty of the sunset took my breath away.
• "To waste one's breath": To speak without any effect or result.
  • You're wasting your breath trying to convince him.
• "In the same breath": Almost at the same time, often implying contradiction.
  • He praised her work and, in the same breath, criticized her methods.
• "The breath of life": Something absolutely essential.
  • Music is the breath of life to her.

Noun

1. a slight movement of the air
   • there wasn't a breath of air in the room
2. an indirect suggestion
   • not a breath of scandal ever touched her
3. a short respite
4. the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration
   • his sour breath offended her
5. the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
   • he took a deep breath and dived into the pool
   • he was fighting to his last breath