Definition

Noun: A brief period of rest or pause from work, stress, or intense activity; a short respite.

Usage

This noun is used to describe a temporary break that allows one to recover, relax, or prepare for the next phase of activity. It is often used in contexts involving work, deadlines, or stressful situations.

Examples

• After completing the major project, the team had a little breathing time before the next one began.
• The negotiations were intense, so the mediator called for a ten-minute breathing time.
• She needed some breathing time to think clearly after receiving the surprising news.

Advanced Usage

• "to give someone breathing time": To allow someone a period of rest or relief.
  • The extension on the deadline gave the students much-needed breathing time.
• "a bit of breathing time": A small amount of time to pause.
  • Let's schedule the meeting for Friday; that will give us a bit of breathing time to prepare.

Variants and Related Words

• Breathing space (noun): A very similar term meaning a period or opportunity to pause, think, or relax. It can also imply physical or metaphorical room to maneuver.
  • Moving to a smaller office gave the company some financial breathing space.

Synonyms

• Respite
• Break
• Rest
• Pause
• Lull
• Recess

Related Idioms

• A breather: An informal term for a short break.
  • Let's take a breather before we continue.

Noun

1. a short respite