previous / next

breath  –  breathe

{Pronunciation: The letters ‘ea’ in “breath” rhyme with the letters ‘ea’ in “bread” and the letters ‘ea’ in “breathe” rhyme with the letters ‘ee’ in “breed”.}

taking in a deep breath

“Breath” is a noun, meaning ‘the air taken into and sent out of lungs’, ‘the act of taking in air into lungs’, ‘a very very short period of time’ and ‘a soft sound, a whisper’

e.g.

He took a deep breath and jumped into the river.

Take a deep breath and hold it for some time.

(Oh, bad breath!)

His breath smelled garlic.

“Breathe” is a verb, meaning ‘to take the air into and send out of one’s lungs’, and ‘to tell someone something in a soft voice’

(to breathe in fresh air)

e.g.

(Breathe out slowly!)

The nurse told me to breathe deeply and to relax slowly.

Don’t breathe a word of our plans! (i.e. do not tell our plans to anybody)

<<< Back to List B

<<< Back to main page /  Next bring ~ take >>>