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

1. draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
   • I can breathe better when the air is clean
   • The patient is respiring