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B2 noun #1,000 le plus courant 17 min de lecture

breathing

Top 1,000

At the A1 level, the word 'breathing' is introduced as a very basic and essential concept of human life. It simply means taking air into your body and letting it out. When you breathe in, air goes into your lungs. When you breathe out, air leaves your body. This is something everyone does all day and all night to stay alive. You might learn this word when talking about the body, health, or going to the doctor. For example, a doctor might say, 'Listen to your breathing.' It is also used when talking about sports or running. If you run very fast, your breathing becomes loud and fast. You can feel your chest moving up and down. This is your breathing. It is a very simple idea, but it is one of the most important words to know because it describes the most important thing our bodies do. We need air to live, and breathing is how we get that air. You will often see it with simple adjectives like 'fast' or 'slow'. When you sleep, your breathing is slow. When you play, your breathing is fast. It is a noun, which means it is a thing, even though it describes an action. You cannot count it. You do not say 'one breathing' or 'two breathings'. You just say 'breathing'. Learning this word helps you talk about how you feel and what your body is doing.

At the A2 level, your understanding of 'breathing' expands slightly to include more descriptive language and common daily situations. You know it means moving air in and out of the lungs, but now you can use it to describe how someone is feeling or what is happening to them. For instance, if someone has a cold, you might say they have 'trouble breathing' or 'heavy breathing' because their nose is blocked. You start to use it with more verbs, like 'control your breathing' or 'stop breathing'. In a fitness class, the teacher might tell you to 'focus on your breathing' while you do exercises. This means paying attention to how you take air in and let it out. You also learn that breathing can change depending on your emotions. If you are scared, your breathing might become very fast. If you are relaxed, it becomes slow and quiet. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'breathing' as an uncountable noun in sentences about health, sports, and feelings. You might also encounter simple compound words like 'breathing mask' if you are talking about a hospital or an airplane. It remains a very practical word, essential for describing physical states and basic medical problems to a doctor or a friend.

At the B1 level, 'breathing' becomes a more versatile tool in your vocabulary. You are now able to discuss the mechanics of it in more detail and use it in a wider variety of contexts. You understand that breathing is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. You can talk about 'deep breathing' as a way to relax or 'shallow breathing' when someone is anxious. You will frequently encounter this word in contexts related to wellness, yoga, and mental health, where 'breathing exercises' are common. You also start to use it to describe the environment, such as saying the air in a city makes 'breathing difficult' due to pollution. Furthermore, you begin to understand its use in more complex grammatical structures, such as gerund phrases: 'Breathing the fresh mountain air made him feel better.' You are also introduced to common collocations, like 'labored breathing' or 'normal breathing'. At this stage, you should be very careful not to confuse the noun 'breathing' with the noun 'breath' or the verb 'breathe'. You know that you take a breath, but the continuous action is breathing. Your ability to describe physical symptoms, athletic performance, and relaxation techniques using this word becomes much more fluent and precise.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this enrichment, your grasp of 'breathing' includes both its literal, physiological meaning and its abstract, metaphorical uses. You are comfortable discussing respiration in detail, using terms like 'inhalation' and 'exhalation' alongside 'breathing'. You can describe complex medical or athletic scenarios, such as how high altitude affects a person's breathing rate. More importantly, you now understand and can actively use idiomatic expressions like 'breathing room' or 'breathing space'. You know that if a project deadline is extended, it gives the team 'breathing room'—meaning relief from pressure and time to organize. You can also use it as an adjective in phrases like a 'living, breathing example', which emphasizes that something is a real, active embodiment of a concept. You are aware of the subtle differences in register; for example, knowing that 'respiration' is formal and scientific, while 'breathing' is standard and versatile. You can confidently read articles about mindfulness and understand the concept of 'conscious breathing' as a psychological tool. Your use of the word is accurate, nuanced, and naturally integrated into discussions about health, stress management, and professional environments.

At the C1 level, your use of the word 'breathing' is highly sophisticated and native-like. You can effortlessly navigate between its biological, psychological, and metaphorical applications. You understand the intricate physiological processes behind breathing and can discuss them using advanced vocabulary, perhaps debating the merits of different 'breathwork' techniques in holistic health. You use idiomatic phrases like 'breathing down my neck' to describe someone closely monitoring or pressuring you, demonstrating a deep understanding of how the physical act of breathing is used to convey psychological tension. You can appreciate the literary use of the word, recognizing how an author might describe a character's 'ragged breathing' to build suspense or convey profound distress. In professional and academic contexts, you can use 'breathing space' to discuss economic policies or urban planning (e.g., 'The city needs more green areas to act as breathing space'). You are acutely aware of collocations and prepositions, never making the mistake of saying 'difficulty to breathe' instead of 'difficulty breathing'. Your command of the word allows you to express complex ideas about vitality, pressure, and biological function with precision and elegance.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'breathing' is absolute, encompassing the most obscure, technical, and literary uses of the word. You can read complex medical journals discussing 'Cheyne-Stokes breathing' or 'agonal breathing' and understand the grave implications of these terms. You appreciate the subtle phonetic and rhythmic qualities of the word in poetry and prose, understanding how the very sound of the word can mimic the action it describes. You can engage in philosophical or spiritual discussions about the concept of 'prana' and the breath as the vital life force, using 'breathing' as a central conceptual pillar. You effortlessly invent or understand novel metaphors based on breathing, such as describing a stagnant bureaucracy as an entity that has 'stopped breathing'. You are capable of analyzing the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other concepts of spirit and air in various languages. At this level of proficiency, 'breathing' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you use to articulate the most profound aspects of life, rhythm, necessity, and the human condition with flawless grammatical accuracy and stylistic flair.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

breathing en 30 secondes

The physical act of taking air in and out of the lungs.
Essential for the survival of all aerobic organisms.
Often used metaphorically to mean space, time, or relief from pressure.
Commonly associated with relaxation, meditation, and stress management.

The concept of breathing is fundamentally tied to the very essence of life for aerobic organisms. It is the continuous, rhythmic physiological process by which air is drawn into the lungs and subsequently expelled. This vital mechanism ensures that oxygen, a crucial element for cellular respiration and energy production, is delivered to the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product, is efficiently removed from the body. When people use the term breathing, they are most commonly referring to this literal, biological function. You will hear it in medical contexts, fitness discussions, and everyday conversations about health. However, the word extends far beyond its literal definition. It is frequently employed metaphorically to describe a state of being alive, active, or functional. For instance, a project that is still breathing is one that has not yet been abandoned. Furthermore, breathing is intimately connected to emotional states. When individuals experience stress, anxiety, or fear, their breathing patterns often become rapid and shallow. Conversely, in moments of relaxation, sleep, or deep meditation, breathing becomes slow, deep, and regular. This profound connection between the physiological act and the psychological state has led to the widespread use of the word in mindfulness and wellness practices. People use the term to remind themselves and others to remain present, to calm down, and to center their thoughts.

Biological Context: In biology, breathing is synonymous with ventilation, the mechanical movement of air in and out of the respiratory system, which is distinct from cellular respiration.

The doctor listened carefully to the patient's breathing to check for any signs of a respiratory infection.

Beyond the medical and biological, breathing is a cornerstone of athletic performance. Athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts frequently discuss breathing techniques to optimize oxygen intake during strenuous physical activity. Proper breathing can enhance endurance, improve focus, and prevent premature fatigue. In swimming, for example, bilateral breathing is a specific technique that requires immense practice and coordination. The word is also deeply embedded in our cultural and linguistic expressions. We talk about 'breathing room' or 'breathing space,' which metaphorically refers to having enough time, space, or freedom to operate without feeling pressured or constrained. This usage highlights how the physical necessity of air translates into a psychological necessity for autonomy and relief from stress.

Metaphorical Context: Using the concept of respiration to represent life, vitality, or the necessary space and time required to function effectively in a stressful environment.

After finishing the massive project, the team finally had some breathing room to relax and plan their next steps.

In the realm of arts and performance, particularly in singing and playing wind instruments, breathing is elevated to an art form. Vocalists spend years mastering diaphragmatic breathing to support their voice, control their pitch, and sustain long phrases. Here, breathing is not just a survival mechanism; it is the very foundation of their artistic expression. The control of the breath dictates the emotion, power, and delicacy of the performance.

The vocal coach emphasized that proper breathing is the most critical skill for any aspiring opera singer.

Furthermore, in the context of yoga and meditation, the Sanskrit term 'pranayama' translates to the extension of the prana (breath or life force). In these ancient practices, conscious breathing is viewed as a bridge between the mind and the body, a tool to achieve spiritual enlightenment and physical well-being. People use the word breathing in these settings to denote a deliberate, mindful practice rather than an automatic bodily function.

Mindfulness Context: The intentional focus on the rhythm and depth of one's inhalations and exhalations to cultivate mental clarity and emotional calmness.

She practiced deep breathing exercises every morning to help manage her anxiety.

Even in environmental discussions, the concept of breathing is applied to the planet itself. Forests, particularly the Amazon rainforest, are often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth,' highlighting their role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, a macrocosmic reflection of the microcosmic process of human breathing. This widespread and varied usage underscores the fundamental importance of the word in the English language, bridging the gap between basic biology, emotional well-being, artistic endeavor, and environmental awareness.

The rhythmic breathing of the sleeping child brought a sense of profound peace to the quiet nursery.

Understanding how to use the word breathing correctly in sentences requires a grasp of its grammatical function as a noun, specifically a gerund derived from the verb 'to breathe'. Because it represents a continuous process or an abstract concept, it is almost exclusively used as an uncountable noun. This means you will rarely, if ever, see it pluralized as 'breathings' in modern, standard English. When constructing sentences, it is crucial to pair it with appropriate adjectives, verbs, and prepositions to convey the precise meaning intended. The most common adjectives used to modify breathing describe its rate, depth, or sound. For example, you might describe someone's breathing as heavy, shallow, rapid, slow, labored, or ragged. These adjectives paint a vivid picture of the subject's physical or emotional state.

Descriptive Adjectives: Words like 'labored', 'shallow', and 'rhythmic' are frequently placed directly before 'breathing' to provide essential context about a person's condition.

After climbing the six flights of stairs, his breathing was incredibly heavy and labored.

In terms of verbs, breathing is often the subject of verbs that describe a change in state or an action being performed upon it. You might say that someone's breathing 'slowed down', 'quickened', 'stopped', or 'normalized'. Alternatively, it can be the object of verbs like 'control', 'monitor', 'regulate', or 'listen to'. Medical professionals constantly monitor a patient's breathing, while a yoga instructor might tell you to control your breathing. When using breathing in a sentence to describe a technique or an exercise, it is often part of a compound noun phrase, such as 'breathing exercises', 'breathing techniques', or 'breathing apparatus'. In these cases, breathing acts almost like an adjective, modifying the subsequent noun to specify its purpose.

Compound Phrases: Using 'breathing' as a modifier before another noun to create specific terms related to respiration, such as 'breathing tube' or 'breathing mask'.

The firefighters were equipped with specialized breathing apparatus before entering the smoke-filled building.

It is also common to use breathing in prepositional phrases. For instance, you might talk about a problem 'with breathing' or a difficulty 'in breathing'. The phrase 'trouble breathing' is a very common way to express respiratory distress.

If you experience any sudden trouble breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Metaphorically, the word is used in specific idiomatic structures. The phrase 'breathing room' or 'breathing space' is treated as a single conceptual unit. You would say, 'I need some breathing room,' meaning you need space or time away from pressure. Another common metaphorical use is the phrase 'living, breathing', which is used to emphasize that something is real, active, and present, rather than theoretical or historical. For example, 'He is a living, breathing example of success.'

Idiomatic Usage: Employing 'breathing' in established phrases where the literal meaning of respiration is replaced by concepts of space, reality, or vitality.

The new financial regulations finally gave the struggling small businesses some much-needed breathing space.

Syntactically, breathing can function as the subject of a sentence ('Breathing became difficult in the thin mountain air'), the direct object ('He tried to steady his breathing'), or the object of a preposition ('She focused on her breathing'). Mastering these various sentence structures and collocations is essential for a B2 level learner to sound natural and fluent when discussing health, emotions, or abstract concepts requiring metaphorical space.

Through years of meditation practice, she learned that observing her breathing was the key to unlocking inner peace.

The word breathing is ubiquitous in the English language, permeating a vast array of contexts ranging from the highly technical to the deeply personal. One of the most primary and frequent environments where you will encounter this word is within the medical and healthcare fields. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics constantly use the term when assessing a patient's vital signs. You will hear phrases like 'check the patient's breathing,' 'abnormal breathing patterns,' or 'breathing difficulties.' In hospitals, the term is attached to life-saving equipment, such as 'breathing tubes' or 'assisted breathing machines' (ventilators). During a medical emergency, the first instruction given by a 911 operator is often to determine if the victim is breathing. This highlights the word's critical association with the very boundary between life and death.

Medical Settings: Hospitals, clinics, and emergency response situations where the physical act of respiration is monitored, evaluated, and treated.

The paramedic immediately checked the unconscious man's airway and breathing upon arriving at the scene.

Moving away from clinical settings, the fitness and sports industries are another major domain where breathing is a constant topic of discussion. Personal trainers, yoga instructors, and sports coaches emphasize the importance of breathing mechanics. In a yoga studio, you will almost certainly hear the instructor guide the class with phrases like 'focus on your breathing,' 'synchronize your movement with your breathing,' or 'practice deep belly breathing.' Similarly, in weightlifting, athletes are taught specific breathing techniques—such as exhaling on the exertion phase—to maximize power and stabilize the core. Runners and swimmers also spend considerable time analyzing and refining their breathing rhythms to improve cardiovascular endurance.

The yoga instructor reminded the class that their breathing should remain steady and calm, even during the most challenging poses.

Furthermore, the word is incredibly common in discussions surrounding mental health, stress management, and mindfulness. Psychologists and therapists frequently recommend 'breathing exercises' as a primary coping mechanism for anxiety and panic attacks. You will read articles and hear podcasts dedicated to 'mindful breathing' or 'box breathing' techniques designed to regulate the nervous system. In these contexts, breathing is presented not just as a biological necessity, but as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and psychological grounding.

Wellness and Mental Health: Therapeutic environments, meditation apps, and self-help resources where respiration is utilized as a tool for psychological calming.

Whenever she felt a panic attack coming on, she immediately initiated the 4-7-8 breathing technique her therapist had taught her.

In everyday, casual conversation, you will hear the word used to describe physical reactions to the environment or exertion. Someone might complain about 'heavy breathing' after walking up a steep hill, or mention that the cold winter air makes their 'breathing difficult.' You will also hear the metaphorical uses frequently in professional and personal contexts. A manager might say, 'We need to give the team some breathing room on this deadline,' or a friend might say, 'I just need a little breathing space right now' after an argument.

The CEO acknowledged that the recent merger had been stressful and promised the staff some breathing room in the upcoming quarter.

Finally, in literature and creative writing, breathing is often used to set a mood or describe a character's state of mind. An author might describe a character's 'ragged breathing' to convey terror, or the 'soft, rhythmic breathing' of a sleeping child to evoke a sense of peace. The versatility of the word ensures that it is heard and read across almost every facet of human experience, from the clinical to the spiritual, and from the athletic to the poetic.

Literature and Storytelling: Creative writing where the auditory and physical descriptions of respiration are used to build tension, reveal emotion, or establish atmosphere.

In the pitch-black basement, the only sound he could hear was his own terrified, rapid breathing echoing off the stone walls.

When learning English, particularly at the B2 level, mastering the nuances of vocabulary related to respiration can be surprisingly tricky. The most prevalent and persistent mistake learners make is confusing the noun 'breathing' with the noun 'breath' and the verb 'breathe'. These three words form a triad of confusion due to their similar spelling, related meanings, and slight variations in pronunciation. 'Breath' (pronounced /breθ/ with a short 'e' and unvoiced 'th') refers to a single cycle of inhaling and exhaling, or the air itself that is taken in and expelled. You take a deep breath, or you hold your breath. 'Breathe' (pronounced /briːð/ with a long 'e' and voiced 'th') is the action verb. You breathe in, and you breathe out. 'Breathing' (pronounced /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ/), the word in focus, is the continuous, ongoing process or the gerund form acting as a noun.

The Breath vs. Breathe vs. Breathing Confusion: Learners frequently interchange these forms, resulting in grammatically incorrect sentences like 'His breathe was heavy' instead of 'His breathing was heavy.'

Incorrect: I could hear his heavy breathings. Correct: I could hear his heavy breathing.

Another very common mistake is attempting to pluralize 'breathing'. Because it describes a continuous, uncountable process, it does not take an 's' at the end. You cannot have 'many breathings' or 'several breathings'. If you need to refer to multiple instances of taking air in and out, you must use the plural noun 'breaths'. For example, 'Take three deep breaths' is correct, whereas 'Take three deep breathings' is entirely incorrect and sounds very unnatural to a native speaker.

Incorrect: The doctor monitored the patient's breathings. Correct: The doctor monitored the patient's breathing.

Prepositional errors also frequently occur when using this word. Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition when describing difficulties. The correct phrase is 'difficulty breathing' or 'trouble breathing'. While 'difficulty in breathing' is grammatically acceptable and sometimes used in formal medical contexts, 'difficulty with breathing' is less common, and 'difficulty to breathe' is incorrect. The gerund form 'breathing' naturally follows the noun 'difficulty' without the need for the infinitive marker 'to'.

Prepositional Collocations: Using the incorrect preposition or infinitive form after nouns expressing struggle, such as 'trouble' or 'difficulty'.

Incorrect: She had trouble to breathe during the asthma attack. Correct: She had trouble breathing during the asthma attack.

Furthermore, pronunciation mistakes are rampant. The 'th' sound in 'breathing' is voiced (/ð/), exactly like the 'th' in 'the', 'this', or 'mother'. Many learners mistakenly use the unvoiced 'th' (/θ/) found in 'think' or 'breath'. This mispronunciation can cause confusion, as it makes the word sound like a strange pluralization of 'breath'. Additionally, the first vowel sound is a long 'e' (/iː/), not a short 'e' (/e/). Ensuring the vocal cords vibrate during the 'th' sound is crucial for clear and accurate pronunciation.

Pronunciation focus: Ensure you are saying /briːðɪŋ/ (bree-thing with a vibrating 'th') and not /breθɪŋ/.

Finally, a more subtle mistake involves the metaphorical use of the word. When using the idiom 'breathing room', learners sometimes mistakenly say 'breathing space' in contexts where 'room' is more idiomatic, or vice versa, though both are generally acceptable. However, creating literal translations from their native language, such as 'air to breathe' instead of 'breathing room' when referring to a deadline extension, can sound awkward. Understanding that 'breathing' in these contexts functions as a fixed idiomatic adjective modifying 'room' or 'space' is essential for achieving a natural, native-like fluency.

Idiomatic Translation Errors: Attempting to translate idioms related to space and time literally from a native language instead of using the established English phrase 'breathing room'.

Incorrect: The deadline extension gave us some air to breathe. Correct: The deadline extension gave us some breathing room.

While breathing is the most common and universally understood term for the process of inhaling and exhaling, the English language offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can be used depending on the specific context, register, and desired nuance. Understanding these alternatives is a hallmark of a B2 to C1 level vocabulary, allowing for more precise and varied expression. The most direct, formal, and scientific synonym is 'respiration'. Respiration is primarily used in medical, biological, and academic contexts. While breathing refers to the mechanical act of moving air in and out of the lungs, respiration can also encompass the cellular process by which organisms exchange gases with their environment. You would rarely use respiration in casual conversation; saying 'my respiration is heavy after that run' sounds overly clinical and unnatural.

Respiration: A highly formal, scientific term used in biology and medicine to describe the entire process of gas exchange, both mechanical and cellular.

The biology textbook detailed the complex stages of cellular respiration, which is distinct from the mechanical act of breathing.

Another set of alternatives breaks the process down into its two component parts: 'inhalation' and 'exhalation'. These terms are also quite formal and are frequently used in medical instructions, yoga classes, or scientific descriptions. Inhalation refers specifically to the act of drawing air into the lungs, while exhalation is the act of expelling it. In everyday language, we usually substitute these with the phrasal verbs 'breathing in' and 'breathing out'.

The doctor instructed the patient to hold their breath upon full inhalation before slowly resuming normal breathing.

When describing specific types of difficult or abnormal breathing, English has several highly descriptive verbs that function as nouns in their gerund form. 'Panting' describes short, quick, shallow breaths, typically taken after intense physical exertion or when an animal, like a dog, is trying to cool down. 'Gasping' refers to sudden, sharp intakes of breath, usually caused by shock, pain, or a desperate lack of oxygen. 'Wheezing' describes breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest, commonly associated with asthma or respiratory infections. These words are much more evocative than simply saying 'difficult breathing'.

Descriptive Alternatives: Words like panting, gasping, and wheezing provide specific auditory and physical details about how a person is struggling to respire.

After sprinting to catch the departing train, his normal breathing devolved into heavy, exhausted panting.

In the context of mindfulness and meditation, you might encounter the term 'breathwork'. This is a relatively modern, holistic term used to describe various systems of conscious breathing exercises intended to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. While breathing is the biological function, breathwork implies a structured, intentional practice. It is a more specialized alternative used almost exclusively in wellness communities.

She signed up for a weekend retreat focused entirely on meditation and advanced breathwork, hoping to improve her daily breathing habits.

Finally, for the metaphorical use of 'breathing room', alternatives include 'space', 'leeway', 'margin', or 'respite'. If a deadline is too tight, instead of asking for breathing room, you could ask for more leeway or a brief respite. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to the exact situation, demonstrating a sophisticated command of English vocabulary and avoiding repetitive use of the word breathing.

Metaphorical Synonyms: Terms like 'leeway' or 'respite' can replace 'breathing room' when discussing the need for relief from pressure or strict constraints.

The manager decided to give the overworked team a brief respite, providing the breathing room they desperately needed to avoid burnout.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The patient's spontaneous breathing ceased at 04:00 hours."

Neutre

"His breathing was heavy after the long run."

Informel

"I was breathing so hard I thought my lungs would pop."

Child friendly

"Put your hand on your tummy and feel your breathing go up and down."

Argot

"Give me some breathing room, man, you're all over me."

Le savais-tu ?

The shift in meaning from 'odor' or 'vapor' to the essential act of living (respiration) happened gradually during the Middle English period. It shows how language evolves from describing the visible or sensible effects of an action to the action itself.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ/

US /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: BREE-thing.

Rime avec

seething teething wreathing sheathing bequeathing unbreathing inbreathing outbreathing

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'th' as unvoiced (/θ/), making it sound like 'breath-ing' instead of 'breathe-ing'.
Using a short 'e' sound (/e/) for the first syllable, making it sound like 'breth-ing'.
Dropping the 'g' at the end, saying 'bree-thin' (though common in casual speech, it's an error in formal contexts).
Confusing the pronunciation with the noun 'breath' (/breθ/).
Placing the stress on the second syllable: bree-THING.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easily recognizable and understood in most texts.

Écriture 4/5

Tricky due to spelling (breath vs. breathe vs. breathing) and uncountable nature.

Expression orale 5/5

Pronunciation of the voiced 'th' and long 'e' is frequently mispronounced by learners.

Écoute 3/5

Generally easy to hear, though the 'th' sound can be subtle in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

air lungs mouth nose life

Apprends ensuite

respiration inhale exhale mindfulness suffocate

Avancé

ventilation apnea pranayama hypoxia diaphragmatic

Grammaire à connaître

Gerunds as Nouns

'Breathing is important.' Here, the verb form ending in -ing acts as the subject of the sentence.

Uncountable Nouns

'His breathing was slow.' We use a singular verb ('was') because breathing cannot be counted.

Adjective Order

'Rapid, shallow breathing.' When using multiple adjectives to describe breathing, opinion/observation usually precedes physical description.

Prepositions after Nouns

'Difficulty breathing.' Note that we do not use 'in' or 'with' here; the gerund follows directly.

Voiced vs. Unvoiced 'th'

Compare the pronunciation of the 'th' in 'breath' (unvoiced) and 'breathing' (voiced).

Exemples par niveau

My breathing is fast when I run.

The way I take in air is quick.

Used as an uncountable noun with the verb 'is'.

The doctor listens to my breathing.

The doctor hears the air going in and out.

Object of the preposition 'to'.

His breathing is very loud when he sleeps.

He makes noise when he takes in air during sleep.

Subject of the sentence.

I have trouble breathing because of my cold.

It is hard to take in air.

Follows the noun 'trouble' directly.

Stop running and control your breathing.

Make your air intake slow and normal.

Direct object of the verb 'control'.

The baby's breathing is soft and quiet.

The baby takes in air gently.

Modified by adjectives 'soft' and 'quiet'.

Breathing clean air is good for you.

Taking in fresh air is healthy.

Gerund functioning as the subject of the sentence.

She is practicing deep breathing.

She is taking big amounts of air in.

Modified by the adjective 'deep'.

If you feel nervous, try taking some slow breathing exercises.

Activities where you take air in slowly.

Part of the compound noun phrase 'breathing exercises'.

The smoke in the room made breathing very difficult.

The smoke made it hard to take in air.

Subject of the clause, followed by an adjective.

He was breathing heavily after climbing the stairs.

Taking in air with effort.

Wait, 'breathing' here is a verb participle. Let's correct to noun: His heavy breathing showed he was tired.

His heavy breathing showed he was tired after the climb.

The loud sound of him taking in air.

Noun modified by 'heavy'.

The nurse checked the patient's breathing rate.

How fast the patient is taking in air.

Part of the compound noun 'breathing rate'.

Yoga helps you focus on your breathing.

Pay attention to how you take in air.

Object of the preposition 'on'.

Cold weather can cause problems with breathing for some people.

Issues with taking in air.

Object of the preposition 'with'.

She listened to the rhythmic breathing of her dog.

The steady pattern of the dog taking in air.

Modified by the adjective 'rhythmic'.

The pollution in the city center makes breathing uncomfortable.

The dirty air makes it feel bad to take in air.

Used as the object of the verb 'makes', followed by an object complement.

Deep breathing is an effective technique for reducing stress.

Taking large amounts of air in helps lower worry.

Subject of the sentence, modified by 'deep'.

He was diagnosed with a condition that affects his breathing while he sleeps.

An illness that changes how he takes in air at night.

Direct object of the verb 'affects'.

The swimmer practiced bilateral breathing to improve her speed.

Taking in air on both sides while swimming.

Modified by the technical adjective 'bilateral'.

After the panic attack, it took her a few minutes to normalize her breathing.

To make her air intake regular again.

Direct object of the verb 'normalize'.

The firefighters wore heavy breathing apparatus to enter the burning building.

Equipment that helps you take in air.

Part of the compound noun 'breathing apparatus'.

Mindful breathing helps you stay present in the moment.

Paying attention to taking in air keeps you focused.

Subject of the sentence, modified by 'mindful'.

The doctor asked if I had experienced any shortness of breathing recently.

Feeling like you cannot get enough air.

Wait, 'shortness of breath' is the correct idiom. Let's correct: The doctor asked if I had any difficulty breathing.

The extension on the project deadline finally gave the team some much-needed breathing room.

Time to relax and not feel pressured.

Idiomatic use as part of the phrase 'breathing room'.

Her labored breathing indicated that the asthma attack was severe and required immediate medication.

Taking in air with great difficulty and effort.

Noun modified by 'labored', acting as the subject.

Through consistent practice, he learned how to use diaphragmatic breathing to project his voice across the theater.

A specific technique of taking in air using the stomach muscles.

Modified by the technical adjective 'diaphragmatic'.

The company is a living, breathing example of how sustainable business practices can be profitable.

A real, active, and functioning example.

Used metaphorically as an adjective phrase 'living, breathing'.

During the meditation retreat, we spent hours focusing solely on the sensation of our own breathing.

The physical feeling of air moving in and out.

Object of the preposition 'of'.

The sudden drop in cabin pressure caused the emergency breathing masks to deploy automatically.

Masks that provide air in an emergency.

Used as a modifier in the compound noun 'breathing masks'.

He complained of a tight chest and restricted breathing after exposure to the chemical fumes.

Feeling like you cannot take a full amount of air in.

Modified by the adjective 'restricted'.

We need to step back and give this situation some breathing space before making a final decision.

Time to pause and think without pressure.

Idiomatic use as part of the phrase 'breathing space'.

The patient presented with Cheyne-Stokes breathing, a pattern often indicative of severe neurological or cardiac issues.

A specific, abnormal pattern of taking in air.

Modified by a specific medical eponym.

The manager's constant micromanagement felt like he was constantly breathing down my neck, leaving me no breathing room to innovate.

Space to work freely without intense supervision.

Idiomatic use indicating autonomy and space.

Advanced breathwork practitioners utilize holotropic breathing to induce altered states of consciousness for therapeutic purposes.

A specialized technique of rapid air intake.

Modified by the specialized adjective 'holotropic'.

The author masterfully used the protagonist's ragged, shallow breathing to underscore the sheer terror of the climactic scene.

Uneven and weak intake of air showing fear.

Modified by multiple descriptive adjectives.

The central bank's decision to lower interest rates provided a temporary breathing spell for struggling homeowners.

A short period of relief from financial pressure.

Idiomatic use as part of the phrase 'breathing spell'.

His presentation was a living, breathing testament to years of rigorous academic research and unyielding dedication.

A dynamic and undeniable proof.

Metaphorical use emphasizing vitality and reality.

The cessation of breathing, even for a few minutes, can lead to irreversible cerebral hypoxia.

The stopping of air intake.

Used in a highly formal, clinical context.

She found that synchronizing her breathing with her strides induced a state of flow during her long-distance runs.

Matching the rhythm of air intake with physical movement.

Direct object of the gerund 'synchronizing'.

The neonate exhibited transient tachypnea, characterized by abnormally rapid breathing shortly after parturition.

Very fast intake of air in a newborn.

Used in a highly specialized pediatric medical context.

In the suffocating bureaucracy of the institution, the new policy initiative was the only thing that felt like it was still breathing.

The only thing that still had life or momentum.

Metaphorical use indicating viability within a stagnant system.

The poet equated the rhythmic breathing of the ocean waves to the primordial respiration of the earth itself.

The regular, life-like movement of the sea.

Poetic and metaphorical use personifying nature.

The economic sanctions were designed to constrict the regime's financial breathing room, forcing them to the negotiating table.

The financial flexibility and capacity to operate.

Complex metaphorical use combining economics and physical space.

He listened to the agonal breathing of the dying man, a harrowing sound that would haunt his memories for decades.

The gasping, final attempts to take in air before death.

Modified by the clinical and grim adjective 'agonal'.

The yogi's mastery over his autonomic nervous system allowed him to reduce his breathing to an almost imperceptible rate.

Slowing down air intake so much it can barely be seen.

Direct object of the verb 'reduce', modified by a prepositional phrase.

The legislation provides a crucial breathing space for endangered species to recover their dwindling populations.

A period or area of protection allowing for recovery.

Metaphorical use applied to ecological conservation.

Her prose is so vivid and evocative that the characters leap off the page as living, breathing entities.

Seeming completely real and alive.

Metaphorical adjective phrase emphasizing literary realism.

Synonymes

respiration ventilation inhalation exhalation gasping panting

Antonymes

suffocation apnea

Collocations courantes

heavy breathing

deep breathing

shallow breathing

trouble breathing

difficulty breathing

breathing room

breathing space

breathing exercises

labored breathing

normal breathing

Phrases Courantes

living, breathing

breathing down someone's neck

catch one's breath

take a deep breath

hold one's breath

out of breath

a breath of fresh air

waste one's breath

save one's breath

take someone's breath away

Souvent confondu avec

breathing vs breath

'Breath' is the noun for a single cycle of air (Take a breath). 'Breathing' is the continuous process.

breathing vs breathe

'Breathe' is the verb (I breathe). 'Breathing' is the gerund/noun form (My breathing).

breathing vs breeding

'Breeding' refers to reproduction in animals or plants. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and a 'd' sound instead of 'th'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"breathing room"

Space or time to relax, recover, or operate without pressure. It implies relief from a tight constraint.

Paying off that credit card gave me some financial breathing room.

neutral/informal

"breathing space"

Essentially the same as 'breathing room'; a pause or area that allows for relaxation or reorganization.

We need to create some breathing space between the two buildings.

neutral

"living, breathing proof"

A person who serves as an undeniable example that something is true or possible.

She is living, breathing proof that hard work eventually pays off.

neutral

"breathing fire"

Being extremely angry and expressing that anger aggressively.

The coach was breathing fire after the team lost their third game in a row.

informal

"hardly breathing"

Being very quiet and still, often out of fear or intense concentration.

We hid in the closet, hardly breathing, as the intruder walked past.

neutral

"breathing one's last"

Dying; taking one's final breath.

The old king was breathing his last, and the kingdom prepared for mourning.

formal/literary

"breathing a sigh of relief"

Expressing audible relief that a stressful situation has ended or been avoided.

The whole town was breathing a sigh of relief when the storm changed course.

neutral

"not breathing a word"

Keeping a secret completely; not telling anyone.

I promise I won't be breathing a word of this to anyone.

informal

"breathing the same air"

Being in the same physical space as someone else, sometimes used to express disgust or awe.

I can't believe I'm breathing the same air as my favorite actor!

informal

"as natural as breathing"

Something that is done effortlessly, instinctively, and without conscious thought.

For her, playing the piano is as natural as breathing.

neutral

Facile à confondre

breathing vs breath

They look almost identical and are related to the exact same concept.

'Breath' is a countable noun referring to one single intake of air. 'Breathing' is an uncountable noun referring to the ongoing process.

Take one deep breath to slow your breathing.

breathing vs breathe

'Breathe' is the root verb of 'breathing', and learners often use the verb form when a noun is needed.

'Breathe' is an action word. 'Breathing' is the name of the action. You use 'breathe' after a subject, and 'breathing' as a subject or object.

I need to breathe deeply because my breathing is too fast.

breathing vs respiration

Both words mean the process of taking in oxygen and letting out carbon dioxide.

'Respiration' is a formal, scientific term used in biology and medicine. 'Breathing' is the common, everyday term used by everyone.

Cellular respiration is a complex process, but mechanical breathing is simple.

breathing vs ventilation

Both refer to moving air in and out.

'Ventilation' is often used for machines (like a ventilator) or rooms (air conditioning). 'Breathing' is almost exclusively for living organisms.

The room has poor ventilation, which makes breathing difficult.

breathing vs panting

Both describe air moving in and out of the body.

'Panting' is a specific type of breathing: very fast and shallow, usually because of heat or exhaustion. 'Breathing' is the general term.

After the run, his normal breathing turned into heavy panting.

Structures de phrases

[Pronoun] + [be verb] + breathing + [adverb].

He is breathing heavily.

[Subject] + have/has + trouble/difficulty + breathing.

She has trouble breathing.

[Adjective] + breathing + [be verb] + [adjective].

Deep breathing is relaxing.

[Subject] + give + [Object] + breathing room.

The delay gave us breathing room.

Focus on + [possessive pronoun] + breathing.

Focus on your breathing.

[Subject] + be + a living, breathing + [noun].

He is a living, breathing miracle.

[Noun phrase] + caused + [adjective] + breathing.

The smoke caused labored breathing.

The cessation of + breathing + [verb phrase].

The cessation of breathing leads to hypoxia.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

The word 'breathing' is in the top 3000 most frequently used words in the English language, making it essential for all learners.

Erreurs courantes

His breathings were very loud. → His breathing was very loud.
Breathing is an uncountable noun. It cannot be pluralized with an 's', and it must take a singular verb.
I have difficulty to breathe. → I have difficulty breathing.
The noun 'difficulty' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive with 'to'.
The doctor checked my respiration. (In casual speech) → The doctor checked my breathing.
While grammatically correct, 'respiration' is too formal for everyday speech. 'Breathing' is the natural choice.
Take a deep breathing. → Take a deep breath.
When referring to a single, countable action of taking in air, you must use the noun 'breath', not the continuous gerund 'breathing'.
The extra time gave us some air to breathe. → The extra time gave us some breathing room.
When translating the concept of 'relief from pressure', learners often invent phrases. The correct English idiom is 'breathing room' or 'breathing space'.

Astuces

No Plural Form

Never add an 's' to breathing. It is an uncountable process. Use 'breaths' if you need a plural noun.

Vibrate the 'TH'

Ensure your vocal cords vibrate on the 'th' sound (/ð/). It should sound like 'brother', not 'math'.

Drop the 'E'

Remember the spelling rule: drop the silent 'e' from 'breathe' before adding '-ing' to make 'breathing'.

Use Descriptive Adjectives

Enhance your writing by pairing breathing with adjectives like heavy, shallow, ragged, labored, or steady.

Trouble/Difficulty + Breathing

Always say 'trouble breathing' or 'difficulty breathing'. Do not use 'trouble to breathe'.

Breathing Room

Use 'breathing room' in professional contexts to politely ask for more time on a deadline.

Medical vs. Everyday

Use 'respiration' only in biology or medical essays. Use 'breathing' for all other contexts.

Listen for the Long 'E'

Train your ear to hear the long 'e' (BREE-thing) to distinguish it from the short 'e' in 'breath'.

Gerund Subjects

Use 'Breathing' as the subject of a sentence to sound more advanced: 'Breathing deeply helps reduce anxiety.'

Breathwork

If discussing modern wellness or yoga, use the term 'breathwork' to show advanced cultural vocabulary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Breathe in the BREEZE. Remember the long 'E' sound in 'breathing' by associating it with a gentle, refreshing 'breeze'. Both words share the 'bree' sound and relate to air.

Association visuelle

Imagine a pair of healthy pink lungs expanding and contracting like a balloon. Every time they expand, the word 'BREE' appears, and when they contract, 'THING' appears. The continuous motion is the 'breathing'.

Word Web

lungs air oxygen life respiration inhale exhale relax

Défi

Try to hold your breath for 10 seconds. When you let it out, pay attention to the feeling. Write three sentences describing how your 'breathing' changed before, during, and after holding it.

Origine du mot

The word 'breathing' is the gerund or present participle form of the verb 'breathe'. The verb 'breathe' originates from the Old English word 'bræthan', which meant to emit an odor, exhale, or blow. This, in turn, came from the Old English noun 'bræth', meaning odor, scent, or exhalation.

Sens originel : Originally, in Old English, the root word was more closely associated with smells, odors, and the visible vapor of breath in cold air, rather than the internal biological process of gas exchange we primarily think of today.

Germanic (Old English)

Contexte culturel

When discussing 'breathing difficulties' or 'ventilators', be mindful that these can be sensitive topics, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, as they may trigger traumatic memories for those who suffered severe illness or lost loved ones.

In English-speaking corporate cultures, asking for 'breathing room' is a very common, polite way to push back against unreasonable deadlines without sounding aggressive.

'Every Breath You Take' by The Police (Song emphasizing the continuous nature of breathing and watching). 'Waiting to Exhale' (Movie/Book title playing on the tension of holding one's breath). 'Just Keep Breathing' (Common motivational phrase in pop culture, notably used in various songs and movies to encourage perseverance).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Medical and Healthcare

check the breathing
trouble breathing
breathing apparatus
normal breathing

Sports and Fitness

heavy breathing
breathing rhythm
control your breathing
out of breath

Mental Health and Wellness

breathing exercises
deep breathing
mindful breathing
focus on your breathing

Professional/Workplace (Metaphorical)

breathing room
breathing space
give us some breathing room
need room to breathe

Everyday Complaints

difficulty breathing
breathing hard
smog makes breathing hard
cold air hurts my breathing

Amorces de conversation

"Do you ever practice deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed?"

"Have you ever been to a high altitude where breathing felt difficult?"

"What do you think people mean when they say they need 'breathing room' in a relationship?"

"Do you find that your breathing changes when you are watching a scary movie?"

"Have you ever tried yoga or meditation that focuses heavily on breathing?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you were so exhausted that your breathing was incredibly heavy. What had you been doing?

Write about a situation where you felt you had no 'breathing room' and how you handled the pressure.

Sit quietly for five minutes and just observe your breathing. Write down how it felt and if your mind wandered.

Explain the difference between 'breath', 'breathe', and 'breathing' using your own examples.

Imagine you are a doctor explaining to a patient why quitting smoking will improve their breathing.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Breathing' is a gerund, which means it is a verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun in a sentence. For example, in the sentence 'Breathing is essential,' it acts as the subject noun. However, it can also be part of a continuous verb tense, like 'He is breathing.'

No, this is a common grammatical mistake. The correct phrasing is 'I have difficulty breathing' or 'I have trouble breathing.' The noun 'difficulty' is followed directly by the gerund form, not the infinitive 'to breathe'.

There is virtually no difference in meaning between the two idioms. Both refer to having enough time, space, or freedom to operate without feeling pressured. 'Breathing room' is slightly more common in American English, while 'breathing space' is frequently used in British English.

This follows a standard English spelling rule. When a verb ends in a silent 'e' (like make, take, or breathe), you drop the 'e' before adding the '-ing' suffix. So, breathe + ing becomes breathing.

The 'th' in breathing is voiced, meaning your vocal cords should vibrate when you say it. It sounds like the 'th' in 'the', 'this', or 'brother'. Do not use the unvoiced 'th' found in 'think' or 'breath'.

'Breathing' is an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'one breathing' or 'two breathings'. If you need to count the action, you must use the word 'breath' (e.g., 'Take three deep breaths').

It is an idiomatic adjective phrase used to emphasize that something is a real, active, and present example of a concept. For instance, 'She is a living, breathing example of success' means she perfectly and actively represents success.

You can, but it will sound very strange and overly formal. 'Respiration' is a scientific and medical term. In everyday conversation, always use 'breathing'.

This is an idiom that means someone is closely watching and monitoring everything you do, usually in a way that makes you feel annoyed, pressured, or micromanaged. It implies they are standing so close you can feel their breath.

Not exactly. 'Breathing' is the entire continuous cycle of taking air in and letting it out. 'Inhalation' refers only to the specific part of the cycle where you take air into your lungs.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) explaining why deep breathing is good for stress. Use the word 'breathing' at least twice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.