Language Research

breath · noun U

/breθ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: breath, breather, breathing

Adjectives: breathless

Verbs: breathe

breath

B1 the air that goes into and out of your lungs

Dictionary example:

Her breath smelled of garlic.

Learner example:

Then I felt someone's breath on my shoulder... (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

be out of breath

B2 to be breathing quickly because you have been running, walking fast, etc.

Dictionary example:

He burst into the room, red-faced and out of breath.

Learner example:

I find that shopping is very good exercise too! By the time you have completed the whole High Street, you will be out of breath. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

hold your breath

B2 to keep air in your lungs and not let it out

Dictionary example:

How long can you hold your breath under water?

Learner example:

My heart was beating fast. I was holding my breath. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

take your breath away

B2 If something takes your breath away, you feel surprise and admiration because it is so beautiful or exciting.

Dictionary example:

The view from the window took my breath away.

Learner example:

The landscape just takes your breath away sometimes. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take a deep breath

B2 to fill your lungs with air

Dictionary example:

Take a deep breath and relax.

Learner example:

But if you took a deep breath after reading the question, don't worry. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

catch your breath; get your breath back

C1 to rest for a short time until you can breathe regularly again

Dictionary example:

Let's stop here and catch our breath.

Learner example:

Unfortunately, the rooms we stayed in were on the 4th floor. The older people couldn't catch their breath when they finally arrived there! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

under your breath

C2 If you say something under your breath, you say it very quietly so that other people cannot hear it.

Dictionary example:

He was muttering curses under his breath.

Learner example:

"We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere..." he kept muttering under his breath. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

with bated breath

C2 in an excited or anxious way

Dictionary example:

I waited with bated breath as the results were read out.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, a huge number of scientists carrying out very useful research, [and] composers, actors, [and] artists making us watch their creations with bated breath, do not earn [as much] money as a lot of outstanding sportsmen do. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

a breath of fresh air

C2 someone or something that is new, different, and exciting

Dictionary example:

Having Eve around has been a breath of fresh air.

Learner example:

The final suggestion is focused on building a leisure centre. Should this be everything the Town Council has promised, it will bring a breath of fresh air. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

hold your breath

C2 to wait for something to happen, often feeling anxious

Dictionary example:

While the leaders negotiated, the world held its breath.

Learner example:

They, the critics, the fans and friends and his wife, held their breath and crossed their fingers, hoping to once again hear his enchanting voice. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)