When someone is panting, it means they are breathing very fast.
You might pant after you run a lot, like playing a game.
Dogs also pant when they are hot to cool down.
It's like taking many quick, deep breaths.
Imagine you have been running very fast. You might breathe very quickly and heavily. This is called panting.
Animals also pant, like a dog after a long walk.
People can also pant if they are very hot or scared.
It means you are taking in a lot of air, very quickly.
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
The word panting is a versatile verb that describes a specific way of breathing. Understanding its grammatical forms and common prepositions will help you use it accurately and naturally in your writing and speaking.
§ Grammatical Forms of “Panting”
- Verb (present participle)
- This is the most common form you'll encounter. It describes an ongoing action.
After the long run, he was panting heavily.
The dog lay in the shade, panting from the heat.
- Verb (base form/infinitive)
- Used after modal verbs (can, could, will, would, etc.) or as a command.
Don't pant so much; try to control your breathing.
- Verb (past tense)
- Describes an action that happened in the past.
She panted as she reached the top of the stairs.
- Noun (the panting)
- Refers to the act or sound of rapid breathing itself.
The sound of his heavy panting filled the quiet room.
§ Common Prepositions with “Panting”
While “panting” doesn't always require a preposition, it can often be followed by certain prepositions to provide more detail about the cause, location, or manner of the breathing.
- Panting from: This is used to indicate the reason or cause of the panting.
He was panting from exhaustion after climbing the hill.
The dog was panting from the heat, seeking shade.
She was panting from excitement as the concert began.
- Panting with: This can also indicate the cause, particularly when referring to emotions or concurrent physical states.
He arrived at the finish line, panting with effort.
Her voice was shaky, panting with fear.
- Panting for (rare, more figurative): Less common, but can imply a strong desire, though this usage is more metaphorical than literal.
He was panting for a chance to prove himself.
§ Adverbs that commonly modify “Panting”
Adverbs can add important details about how someone is panting.
- Heavily: Indicates a strong, labored breathing.
She was panting heavily after running up the stairs.
- Lightly: Suggests a more gentle or less strenuous rapid breathing.
The small bird was panting lightly in the warmth of the sun.
- Quickly/Rapidly: Emphasizes the speed of the breathing.
His chest rose and fell, panting quickly from the sudden shock.
- Softly: Describes a quiet sound of panting.
The puppy was panting softly in its sleep.
§ Introduction to Panting and Similar Concepts
The word "panting" describes a specific type of rapid and deep breathing, often associated with physical exertion, heat, or strong emotions. Understanding its nuances and comparing it to similar terms can help you choose the most appropriate word for your context. While many words describe different forms of breathing, "panting" uniquely conveys a sense of struggle, urgency, or physiological response.
This section will explore words that share some semantic overlap with "panting," detailing their subtle differences in meaning and usage. By examining these alternatives, you'll gain a clearer understanding of when "panting" is the most precise and impactful choice.
§ Related Terms and Distinctions
Let's delve into some words that are often considered alongside "panting," but each carries its own distinct connotation.
- Gasping
- This implies taking a sudden, deep breath, often due to shock, pain, or difficulty breathing. While both involve deep breaths, gasping often suggests a more abrupt and possibly involuntary intake of air, sometimes accompanied by a sound. It can also be a sign of surprise or fear.
She was gasping for air after nearly drowning.
- Wheezing
- Wheezing describes a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, typically due to narrowed airways. Unlike panting, which is primarily about the rate and depth of breath, wheezing focuses on the sound produced and often indicates a respiratory issue.
His chest was tight, and he began to wheeze with every breath.
- Heavy breathing
- This is a more general term that can encompass panting but doesn't necessarily imply the same rapid, open-mouthed quality. Heavy breathing might occur during sleep or in moments of deep concentration, without the urgency implied by "panting."
After the intense workout, he was breathing heavily.
- Shortness of breath
- This is a medical symptom describing a feeling of not getting enough air. While it can lead to panting, it's the subjective experience rather than the action of breathing itself. Someone experiencing shortness of breath might pant to try and alleviate the feeling.
The elderly woman reported experiencing shortness of breath after climbing the stairs.
- Hyperventilating
- This is excessively rapid and deep breathing, often caused by anxiety or panic, leading to a disturbance in blood gas levels. While panting can be a component of hyperventilation, hyperventilating specifically refers to the physiological state and its potential consequences, often without the same physical exertion trigger as panting.
During her panic attack, she started hyperventilating.
§ When to Use "Panting"
"Panting" is most appropriate when you want to convey the image of someone or something breathing rapidly and deeply, often with an open mouth, as a physiological response to a specific stimulus. Consider these scenarios:
- Physical Exertion: This is the most common use. Think of athletes, animals after a chase, or anyone who has just completed strenuous activity. The body is trying to take in more oxygen and dissipate heat.
- Heat: When an organism is overheated, panting is a mechanism to cool down through evaporative cooling. This is particularly noticeable in dogs.
- Strong Emotion: Fear, excitement, or even intense anxiety can cause an involuntary increase in breathing rate and depth, leading to panting. This suggests a heightened state of arousal.
§ Why Choose "Panting" Over Alternatives?
When precision in language matters, "panting" offers a distinct advantage:
- It clearly indicates a rapid, deep, and often open-mouthed breathing pattern.
- It strongly implies a physiological response to exertion, heat, or strong emotion, rather than a medical condition (like wheezing or shortness of breath) or a general state (like heavy breathing).
- It can add a sense of urgency, exhaustion, or intense feeling to your writing.
While other words describe aspects of breathing, "panting" captures a very specific and recognizable form. By understanding its core meaning and differentiating it from similar terms, you can use it effectively to enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Present Participle as an Adjective: 'Panting' can function as a present participle, modifying a noun to describe its state or characteristic.
The panting dog finally collapsed in the shade.
Present Participle in Progressive Tenses: 'Panting' is used as the main verb in progressive tenses to indicate an ongoing action.
She was panting heavily after running up the stairs.
Gerund as a Noun: 'Panting' can act as a gerund, functioning as a noun in a sentence.
His constant panting worried his owner.
Adverbial Participle Clause: 'Panting' can introduce an adverbial participle clause, describing how or why an action occurs.
Panting for breath, he pushed himself to the finish line.
Transitive/Intransitive Verb: As a verb, 'panting' is typically intransitive, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. However, it can sometimes be used transitively in specific contexts, often with an object like 'words' or 'air'.
Intransitive: He was panting after the race. Transitive: 'I can't go on,' she panted.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
The dog was panting after its run.
The dog breathed fast after running.
Simple past tense for a completed action.
I was panting a little after climbing the stairs.
I breathed fast after going up the stairs.
Past continuous tense, showing an action in progress in the past.
He started panting when he got scared.
He began to breathe fast when he was afraid.
Simple past tense, indicating a reaction.
The runner was panting at the end of the race.
The runner breathed fast when the race finished.
Past continuous tense, describing a state at a specific time.
She was panting because it was very hot.
She breathed fast because of the heat.
Past continuous tense, explaining a reason for an action.
My cat sometimes pants after playing a lot.
My cat sometimes breathes fast after playing much.
Simple present tense, showing a habitual action.
Are you panting because you ran here?
Are you breathing fast because you ran to this place?
Present continuous tense, asking about an ongoing action.
After a long walk, he was panting and thirsty.
After a long walk, he breathed fast and wanted water.
Past continuous tense, describing a state after an event.
After the long run, the marathon runner was panting heavily as he crossed the finish line.
Marathon runner was breathing heavily after the long run.
Present participle used as an adjective modifying 'runner'.
The dog was panting with its tongue out after chasing the ball in the summer heat.
Dog breathing fast with tongue out after playing in heat.
Present participle used as part of a participial phrase indicating manner.
She was panting slightly from the steep climb, but the view from the top was worth it.
She was breathing hard from climbing, but the view was worth it.
Present participle used as part of a continuous verb tense.
The child, excited by the prospect of ice cream, was panting with anticipation.
Child breathing fast from excitement about ice cream.
Present participle used as part of a continuous verb tense, expressing emotion.
When she heard the unexpected noise, her heart raced and she started panting with fear.
She started breathing fast from fear after hearing the noise.
Present participle used as part of a continuous verb tense, indicating a reaction.
He arrived at the meeting late, panting and out of breath from rushing up the stairs.
He arrived late, breathing heavily from rushing.
Present participle used as part of a participial phrase indicating the state of being.
The doctor listened to the patient's chest, noting his shallow, rapid panting.
Doctor noted patient's quick, shallow breathing.
Present participle used as an adjective modifying 'breathing'.
Despite her efforts to remain calm, she found herself panting with anxiety before the presentation.
Even trying to be calm, she was breathing fast from anxiety.
Present participle used as part of a continuous verb tense, expressing an emotional state.
After the intense sprint, the marathon runner was panting heavily, trying to regain his breath as he crossed the finish line.
Después del intenso sprint, el corredor de maratón jadeaba pesadamente, tratando de recuperar el aliento mientras cruzaba la línea de meta.
The present participle 'panting' is used here as an adverbial modifier describing how the runner was breathing.
The dog, having chased the ball relentlessly, lay on the grass, panting with its tongue lolling out, a clear sign of its exertion.
El perro, después de haber perseguido la pelota sin descanso, yacía en la hierba, jadeando con la lengua fuera, una clara señal de su esfuerzo.
'Panting' is again used as a present participle, functioning as a descriptive adverbial phrase.
Her heart was panting in her chest as she awaited the outcome of the critical medical test, a mix of fear and anticipation.
Su corazón palpitaba en su pecho mientras esperaba el resultado de la prueba médica crítica, una mezcla de miedo y anticipación.
Here, 'panting' is used metaphorically to describe the rapid and forceful beating of her heart, akin to rapid breathing.
He could hear the sound of his own panting echoing in the silent, tense interrogation room, amplifying his anxiety.
Podía oír el sonido de su propia respiración entrecortada resonando en la silenciosa y tensa sala de interrogatorios, amplificando su ansiedad.
In this sentence, 'panting' functions as a gerund, acting as the object of the preposition 'of'.
The old engine was panting and sputtering, struggling to pull the heavy train up the steep incline, a testament to its age.
El viejo motor jadeaba y farfullaba, luchando por tirar del pesado tren por la empinada cuesta, un testimonio de su edad.
Another metaphorical use, 'panting' describes the labored sound and effort of the engine, similar to labored breathing.
Despite the cool evening air, she found herself panting slightly after climbing the numerous flights of stairs to her apartment.
A pesar del aire fresco de la tarde, se encontró jadeando ligeramente después de subir los numerosos tramos de escaleras hasta su apartamento.
'Panting' is used as a present participle describing her state after the physical exertion.
The rescue team, after hours of searching in the dense jungle, arrived at the base camp, all of them panting from exhaustion.
El equipo de rescate, después de horas de búsqueda en la densa jungla, llegó al campamento base, todos ellos jadeando de agotamiento.
Here, 'panting' is a present participle functioning as an adjective describing the state of the rescue team members.
He was panting out his confession, each word punctuated by a gasp for air, revealing the depth of his fear and remorse.
Él estaba jadeando su confesión, cada palabra puntuada por un jadeo en busca de aire, revelando la profundidad de su miedo y remordimiento.
In this sentence, 'panting out' is a phrasal verb, indicating that the confession was uttered with difficulty due to rapid breathing.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"Panting for breath"
Breathing heavily and quickly due to physical exertion or excitement.
After running the marathon, she was panting for breath.
neutral"Panting like a dog"
Breathing very heavily, often with the tongue out, similar to how a dog breathes when hot or tired.
He came in from the heat, panting like a dog.
informal"To be panting after something/someone"
To eagerly desire something or someone.
The whole team was panting after the championship title.
informal"Panting with exertion"
Breathing heavily as a result of strenuous physical activity.
The hikers were panting with exertion as they reached the summit.
neutral"Panting with anticipation"
Breathing heavily due to excitement or eagerness for something to happen.
The children were panting with anticipation as they waited for their presents.
neutral"Panting for vengeance"
Strongly desiring revenge.
He was panting for vengeance after the injustice.
neutral"Panting for glory"
Eagerly seeking fame or recognition.
The young athlete was panting for glory in the upcoming competition.
neutral"Panting to get out"
Desperate to leave a particular place or situation.
After a long day at work, she was panting to get out of the office.
informal"Panting from the heat"
Breathing heavily due to high temperatures.
The dog was panting from the heat, looking for shade.
neutral"Panting through the finish line"
Completing a race or task while breathing heavily from effort.
Despite the struggle, he was panting through the finish line, determined to finish.
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खुद को परखो 78 सवाल
Listen for what the dog was doing after walking.
Listen for why she was breathing hard.
Listen for what sound he made when he was tired.
Read this aloud:
The runner is panting.
Focus: panting
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
After the game, I was panting.
Focus: panting
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
He is panting because it is hot.
Focus: panting, hot
तुमने कहा:
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Listen for the sound of breathing.
What was the dog doing after playing?
How did she react to the strange noise?
Read this aloud:
The runner was panting at the finish line.
Focus: /ˈpæntɪŋ/
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
I could hear her panting after she climbed the stairs.
Focus: /hɜːr ˈpæntɪŋ/
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
When you're tired, you might start panting.
Focus: /juː maɪt stɑːrt ˈpæntɪŋ/
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes a dog breathing heavily.
This sentence describes someone breathing heavily after exercise.
This sentence describes hearing the sound of heavy breathing.
The correct order forms a coherent sentence describing someone breathing heavily after running.
This sentence describes a dog panting due to hot weather.
The sentence illustrates panting as a result of strong emotion, specifically excitement.
After running the marathon, the runner was ___ heavily, trying to catch his breath.
To 'pant' means to breathe rapidly and deeply, which is typical after strenuous exercise like running a marathon. The other options don't fit the context of breathing after exertion.
The dog lay on the hot pavement, ___ with its tongue hanging out.
Dogs often pant to cool down when they are hot, making 'panting' the appropriate word here. The other options don't describe a dog's response to heat.
She was so scared after the near-miss accident that she found herself ___ uncontrollably.
Strong emotions like fear can cause rapid, deep breathing, or 'panting.' The other options do not describe a physical reaction to fear in this context.
The hikers reached the summit, all of them ___ from the steep climb.
A steep climb requires significant physical exertion, leading to rapid and deep breathing, or 'panting.' The other words don't describe this physical state.
He was ___ with excitement as he watched his team score the winning goal.
Intense excitement can cause a person to breathe rapidly and deeply, a sensation described as 'panting.' The other options don't convey this feeling of exhilaration.
The small child was ___ after chasing the ball across the park for several minutes.
Chasing a ball for several minutes is a form of physical exertion that would typically lead to rapid, deep breathing, or 'panting.' The other options are unrelated to this physical state.
Focus on the sound of 'panting'.
Listen for the context that explains the panting.
Pay attention to the nuance of 'slightly panting'.
Read this aloud:
The exhausted hiker was panting for breath after reaching the summit.
Focus: panting, breath
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
Even the thought of public speaking makes some people start panting with anxiety.
Focus: public speaking, anxiety
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
After playing fetch for an hour, the puppy was panting happily in the shade.
Focus: puppy, happily
तुमने कहा:
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Imagine you are a marathon runner describing the final moments of a race. How would you describe your breathing and physical state as you crossed the finish line? Use the word "panting" in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
As I surged forward in the last hundred meters, my lungs were burning, and I was absolutely panting for air, each breath a desperate gasp. Crossing the finish line brought an overwhelming wave of relief, though my legs felt like jelly and I was still panting heavily, trying to catch my breath after such an intense effort.
Describe a situation where someone might be panting out of fear or excitement. What events led to this reaction, and how did their breathing affect their actions or speech?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The sudden, loud bang made him jump, and he started panting uncontrollably, his heart hammering against his ribs. He tried to speak, to ask what had happened, but the words came out in short, breathless bursts, barely audible over his own rapid panting. It was a clear sign of intense fear, making it hard to think straight.
You are a sports commentator describing a thrilling moment in a basketball game. How would you incorporate the word "panting" to convey the intensity and effort of the players?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
With only seconds left on the clock, the star player drove to the basket, his face grimacing with effort, clearly panting from the relentless pace of the game. You could almost hear his labored breathing through the broadcast, a testament to the incredible intensity of this final play. He made the shot, collapsing to the floor afterwards, still panting.
What is the primary reason the hiker is panting?
Read this passage:
The hiker pushed himself up the steep incline, his muscles screaming in protest. The air grew thinner with every step, and soon, he was panting, each breath a desperate attempt to fill his burning lungs with oxygen. Despite the exhaustion, the panoramic view from the summit promised to be worth every labored gasp.
What is the primary reason the hiker is panting?
The passage explicitly states 'his muscles screaming in protest' and 'pushed himself up the steep incline,' indicating physical exertion.
The passage explicitly states 'his muscles screaming in protest' and 'pushed himself up the steep incline,' indicating physical exertion.
What two factors are contributing to the dog's panting?
Read this passage:
After the dog chased the squirrel across three yards, it finally stopped, its tongue hanging out and its sides heaving. The persistent heat of the afternoon sun only added to its distress, and it continued panting vigorously, trying to regulate its body temperature. It looked quite comical, but also clearly exhausted.
What two factors are contributing to the dog's panting?
The passage mentions 'chased the squirrel across three yards' (physical exertion) and 'The persistent heat of the afternoon sun' (heat).
The passage mentions 'chased the squirrel across three yards' (physical exertion) and 'The persistent heat of the afternoon sun' (heat).
What emotion is causing the child to pant?
Read this passage:
The sudden roar of thunder startled the small child, who immediately buried her face in her mother's side, whimpering. Her little chest began to heave, and soon she was panting, her breathing shallow and fast. It took several minutes of gentle reassurance from her mother before her breathing returned to normal.
What emotion is causing the child to pant?
The passage states 'The sudden roar of thunder startled the small child' and 'whimpering,' indicating fear as the cause of her panting.
The passage states 'The sudden roar of thunder startled the small child' and 'whimpering,' indicating fear as the cause of her panting.
This sentence describes a common scenario where physical exertion leads to heavy breathing.
Dogs often pant to cool themselves down in hot weather.
Panting can also be a reaction to strong emotions like excitement.
After the grueling marathon, the runner was completely exhausted and found himself ___ heavily.
The context of 'grueling marathon' and 'exhausted' strongly suggests rapid and deep breathing due to physical exertion, which is the definition of 'panting'.
The detective's heart began to pound, and he started ___ with a mixture of fear and adrenaline as he approached the abandoned mansion.
The phrase 'fear and adrenaline' indicates a strong emotional response that would cause rapid, deep breathing, which is 'panting'.
Under the scorching desert sun, the thirsty traveler was ___ for air, desperate for any relief from the oppressive heat.
'Scorching desert sun' and 'oppressive heat' point to a situation where the body would be trying to cool down by breathing rapidly, hence 'panting'.
The small dog, after chasing the ball for what seemed like an eternity, collapsed on the grass, ___ contentedly.
A dog chasing a ball for a long time would breathe rapidly due to physical exertion, making 'panting' the correct choice.
She reached the summit of the mountain, utterly breathless and ___, but triumphant.
Reaching the summit of a mountain implies significant physical exertion, leading to being 'breathless' and 'panting'.
The sudden shock of the cold water made him gasp and start ___, trying to regain his composure.
A 'sudden shock' can cause a strong physical reaction like gasping and rapid, deep breathing ('panting') as the body reacts to the stress.
After the grueling marathon, the runner was ___ heavily, struggling to catch his breath.
Panting specifically refers to rapid, deep breathing often after physical exertion. While 'gasping' is also about difficulty breathing, 'panting' implies a more continuous, labored effort.
The detective observed the suspect, whose chest was ___ with fear, giving away his hidden anxiety.
Panting can also be a physical manifestation of strong emotion, such as fear, where the breathing becomes rapid and shallow.
The overheated dog lay in the shade, ___ with its tongue lolling out, trying to cool down.
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, making 'panting' the most accurate description in this context.
Panting always indicates a serious medical emergency.
While panting can be a symptom of medical issues, it's also a normal physiological response to exertion, heat, or strong emotions, and doesn't always signify an emergency.
Someone who is panting is usually trying to take in less oxygen.
Panting is a mechanism to take in MORE oxygen or to cool down, not less.
A person who is panting might also have an open mouth.
Panting often involves breathing with an open mouth to facilitate greater airflow and aid in cooling or oxygen intake.
After the grueling marathon, the runner was completely spent, her chest heaving and her breath coming in ragged ______.
The word 'pants' (noun form here) most accurately describes the short, quick breaths associated with exertion after a marathon, fitting the context of 'ragged' breathing.
The detective, having sprinted up five flights of stairs, arrived at the crime scene visibly ______; his face was flushed, and sweat beaded on his brow.
'Panting' perfectly describes the rapid, deep breathing from physical exertion, which aligns with the detective having 'sprinted up five flights of stairs'.
The intense humidity made even a short walk feel like an arduous trek, leaving everyone _______ for air by the time they reached their destination.
Given the 'intense humidity' and 'arduous trek', 'panting' is the most suitable verb to describe the rapid breathing due to heat and exertion.
The terrified child, having narrowly escaped the barking dog, was found huddled in a corner, trembling and ______ uncontrollably.
'Panting' in this context conveys the rapid, shallow breathing brought on by intense fear or excitement, following a narrow escape from a threatening situation.
After hours of relentless chasing, the predator finally cornered its prey, both animals ______ heavily from the prolonged exertion.
'Panting' accurately captures the intense, rapid breathing of both predator and prey after a 'prolonged exertion' of chasing.
The ascent of the treacherous mountain peak left the mountaineers utterly exhausted, each breath a desperate ______ for the thin, cold air.
In this context, 'pant' (noun form) fits the description of a desperate, short breath taken during extreme physical exertion in thin air.
Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to someone panting uncontrollably?
Panting is associated with physical exertion, and a strenuous uphill marathon in high altitude would demand significant effort, causing rapid and deep breathing.
In a literary context, if a character is described as 'panting out their confession,' what does this primarily suggest about their emotional state?
The phrase 'panting out their confession' implies a struggle to speak due to an intense emotional state, aligning with the definition of panting as a response to strong emotion.
Which of the following medical conditions might be characterized by frequent and noticeable panting, even at rest?
COPD is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult, often leading to shortness of breath and a compensatory rapid, deep breathing (panting) even when not exerting oneself.
A dog that has just completed a long run on a hot day would likely be panting to regulate its body temperature.
Dogs pant as a primary mechanism to cool down and regulate their body temperature, especially after exertion or in hot weather.
If someone is panting, it invariably indicates a state of extreme fear or panic.
While fear can cause panting, it is not the only reason. Panting can also be a result of physical exertion, excitement, or heat, not necessarily fear.
During a rigorous cardiovascular workout, the body's need for increased oxygen often results in panting.
Panting is a natural physiological response to intense physical activity, as the body attempts to take in more oxygen to meet the demands of working muscles.
The sentence describes the physical state of someone collapsing from exhaustion, with 'heaving and panting' indicating rapid, labored breathing.
This sentence places 'panting' in the context of extreme physical exertion following a marathon, highlighting the effort involved.
This sentence uses 'panting' to suggest the suppressed excitement or effort of a predator, subtly revealing its hidden presence.
/ 78 correct
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