take a breath
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To inhale and then exhale; to perform the act of respiration. This phrase describes the single, complete action of drawing air into the lungs and then releasing it.
Usage
The phrase "take a breath" is used to describe the conscious or deliberate act of breathing, often for a specific purpose such as calming oneself, preparing to speak, or pausing during an activity. It emphasizes a single, intentional breath.
Examples
- Verb:
- Before starting his speech, he paused to take a breath.
- The doctor told her to take a deep breath and hold it.
- After running up the stairs, she needed a moment to take a breath.
Advanced Usage
- "Take a deep breath": To inhale a large amount of air slowly and deliberately, often to calm nerves, prepare for exertion, or for a medical examination.
- When you feel anxious, try to take a deep breath and count to ten.
- "Take a breath" (figurative): Used idiomatically to advise someone to pause, relax, or stop and think before acting or speaking.
- You're talking too fast. Just take a breath and explain it slowly.
Variants and Related Words
- Breathe (v): The general, ongoing action of respiration. ("I can breathe better here.")
- Inhale (v): Specifically to draw air the lungs.
- Exhale (v): Specifically to expel air the lungs.
- Respire (v): A more technical or biological term for breathing.
Synonyms
- Breathe
- Inhale and exhale
- Draw breath
Related Phrases
- Catch one's breath: To pause until one's breathing returns to normal after exertion.
- He stopped running to catch his breath.
- Save one's breath: To stop talking because it is pointless or won't be listened to.
- Don't argue with him; save your breath.
Verb
- draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
- I can breathe better when the air is clean
- The patient is respiring