Breathing

Definition

Breathing is a noun and a verb (present participle of "breathe"). As a noun, it refers to the process of inhaling and exhaling air through the lungs, enabling the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. As a verb, it describes the act of drawing air into the lungs and releasing it, essential for most living organisms.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (present participle of "breathe")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbriːðɪŋ/
• Respelling: BREE-th-ing

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbriːðɪŋ/
• Respelling: BREE-th-ing

Etymology

The word "breathing" comes from the Old English "breothan," meaning "to breathe," and is related to the Germanic root "brēðan." The concept refers to the rhythmic intake and release of air, essential for respiration in living organisms.

Derivatives

• Breathable (adjective)
• Breath (noun)
• Breathtaking (adjective)
• Breathless (adjective)
• Overbreathing (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Respiration
• Inhaling
• Exhaling

Antonyms

• Asphyxiation
• Suffocation
• Choking

Usage

The term "breathing" is widely used to refer to the act of respiration in living organisms. For example, "Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress," or "Breathing is essential for survival."

Related Terms

• Respiration: The process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
• Ventilation: The movement of air in and out of the lungs.
• Oxygenation: The process of adding oxygen to the body’s system.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The process of inhaling and exhaling air through the lungs: Refers to the essential biological process by which living organisms intake oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
  • Example: "He focused on his breathing to calm his nerves."

Verb (present participle of "breathe")

• The act of taking air into the lungs and expelling it: Describes the continual action of respiration.
  • Example: "She was breathing deeply to catch her breath after running."