breath

The air that goes into and comes out of your lungs.

• I could see my breath in the cold.
• She held her breath under water.
• Does my breath smell of garlic?

How to use it: out of breath (I was out of breath after the climb.)

Common phrases: hold your breath, out of breath, bad breath

One movement of air into or out of your lungs.

• Take a deep breath.
• He drew three slow breaths before answering.
• Can you say the whole sentence in one breath?

How to use it: take a breath (Take a breath before you speak.)

Similar words: inhalation, exhalation

Common phrases: take a breath, a deep breath, one more breath

A very small amount of something, especially moving air.

• There was no breath of wind.
• A breath of sea air entered through the window.
• Even a breath of scandal could damage his career.

How to use it: a breath of something (There was barely a breath of wind.)

Similar words: hint, trace

Common phrases: a breath of air, a breath of wind, a breath of scandal

A short pause to rest before continuing an activity.

• Let us stop for a breath.
• We paused for a breath halfway up the hill.
• After a breath, the workers continued carrying the boxes.

Similar words: pause, break, rest

Common phrases: stop for a breath, pause for a breath