To breathe is to take air into your lungs and then push it back out again. It's a vital thing we do every few seconds without even thinking.
When we talk about breathing, it can mean different things depending on the situation. For example, if you're running a marathon or playing sports, you might need to focus on breathing deeply and steadily to get enough oxygen. On the other hand, if someone says they're having trouble sleeping because of their breathing, they might be talking about sleep apnea - where your body stops breathing for short periods while you're asleep. People who practice yoga or meditation also pay close attention to their breath as a way to relax and calm down. Even everyday conversations can involve breathing when we talk about things like air quality in our cities or how pollution is affecting the environment.
How common is "breathe"?
Word breathe is considered uncommon in modern English. It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
verb
To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases.
To take in needed gases and expel waste gases in a similar way.
Example: Fish have gills so they can breathe underwater.
To inhale (a gas) to sustain life.
Example: While life as we know it depends on oxygen, scientists have speculated that alien life forms might breathe chlorine or methane.
To live.
Example: I will not allow it, as long as I still breathe.
To draw something into the lungs.
Example: Try not to breathe too much smoke.
To expel air from the lungs, exhale.
Example: If you breathe on a mirror, it will fog up.
To exhale or expel (something) in the manner of breath.
Example: The flowers breathed a heady perfume.
To give an impression of, to exude.
Example: The decor positively breathes classical elegance.
To whisper quietly.
Example: He breathed the words into her ear, but she understood them all.
To pass like breath; noiselessly or gently; to emanate; to blow gently.
Example: The wind breathes through the trees.
To exchange gases with the environment.
Example: Garments made of certain new materials breathe well and keep the skin relatively dry during exercise.
To rest; to stop and catch one's breath.
To stop, to give (a horse) an opportunity to catch its breath.
Example: At higher altitudes you need to breathe your horse more often.
To exercise; to tire by brisk exercise.
To passionately devote much of one's life to (an activity, etc.).
Example: Do you like hiking? Are you kidding? I breathe hiking.
