What is breathing? Pronunciation and usage in English

breathing means . Learn how to pronounce and use breathing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of breathing

breathingnoun

/ˈbriːðɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of breathing

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "breathing" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners because of the "ei" sound. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. "bre-": This part is straightforward. Pronounce it like "breh" – a short, sharp "uh" sound, like in the word "bread."

  2. "thing": Now comes the tricky part. "thing" in this word is pronounced like "ing." But it’s not the typical "ing" sound. It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds.

  3. The "ei" diphthong: This is the key. The “ei” sound in “breathing” is a glide between two vowel sounds:

    • Start with: A short "e" sound, a little like the "e" in "bed."
    • Then glide to: A high, front vowel, similar to the "i" in "kite" or "machine." It’s a quick shift between the two.

Putting it all together:

The whole word sounds like: “breh-thing” (with that quick “ei” glide).

Tips and Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get it right is to hear it. Here are some helpful resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "breathing" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) A website where native speakers record pronunciations of words.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce breathing" – you'll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

  • Slow it down: Initially, say it slowly and consciously focus on making the “ei” sound.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and then compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word with the same sound?

Usage and examples with the word breathing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "breathing" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (the act of breathing):

  • Basic Definition: This is the most common use – the act of inhaling and exhaling.
    • "I need to breathe deeply."
    • "She was breathing heavily after the run."
    • "He stopped breathing." (This implies death)
  • Phrases:
    • Take a breath: "Take a breath and calm down." (To relax and regain composure)
    • Catch your breath: "He caught his breath after the long climb." (To recover from exertion)
    • Hold your breath: "Don't hold your breath while I open the door." (To refrain from breathing)
    • Breathe in/out: "Begin by breathing in slowly through your nose, and then breathing out slowly through your mouth." (Part of a breathing exercise)

2. As a Noun (the process of breathing; air being inhaled and exhaled):

  • General Reference to Breathing:
    • "Proper breathing is important for good health."
    • "The breathing of the forest is filled with life."
  • Specific Types of Breathing:
    • Chest breathing: Breathing primarily using the chest muscles. (Often less efficient)
    • Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing): Breathing using the diaphragm muscle, which is deeper and more effective. “Practice diaphragmatic breathing to reduce stress.”
    • Controlled breathing: Consciously regulating your breath rate and depth. “Meditation often involves controlled breathing.”
    • Rapid breathing: Breathing quickly. “He was struggling for rapid breathing.”
    • Labored breathing: Breathing with difficulty. “She had labored breathing due to the altitude.”
  • Referring to Air:
    • "The breathing in the mountains is so clean." (Referring to the air itself)

3. As an Adjective (relating to breathing):

  • Breathing apparatus/equipment: This is a common use, referring to things used to help with breathing.
    • “The scuba diver needs a breathing apparatus.”
    • “Firefighters use breathing masks.”
  • Breathing exercises: "She practiced breathing exercises to help with anxiety."

Tips for Using "Breathing" Correctly:

  • Count the Syllables: "Breth-ing" (two syllables).
  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine whether "breathing" is being used as a verb, noun, or adjective.
  • Synonyms: Consider alternative words depending on the nuance you want to convey (e.g., inhale, exhale, respiration, air).

Examples in Sentences Showing Different Uses:

  • Verb: "He was struggling to breathe because of the smoke."
  • Noun: "The patient's breathing was shallow and rapid."
  • Adjective: “The astronaut wore a breathing mask during the spacewalk.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "breathing"? (e.g., write a story, describe a medical condition, explain a breathing technique?)

Synonyms for the word breathing

Practice with vocabulary breathing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After running a marathon, he focused on his ________ to calm himself.
  2. The doctor advised her to practice deep ________ exercises daily.
  3. She felt her heartbeat slow down as she relaxed her ________.
  4. The ________ of fresh air in the forest was invigorating.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is essential for relaxation?
    a) Breathing
    b) Stretching
    c) Reading
    d) Laughing

  2. What do humans unconsciously do while sleeping?
    a) Breathing
    b) Dreaming
    c) Snoring
    d) Moving

  3. Which process is vital for sustaining life?
    a) Circulation
    b) Breathing
    c) Digestion
    d) Reproduction

  4. What is the act of inhaling and exhaling called?
    a) Respiration
    b) Ventilation
    c) Circulation
    d) Exhalation

  5. Which of these activities can help reduce stress?
    a) Meditation
    b) Breathing
    c) Exercising
    d) Cooking

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves.
    → He focused on his breathing to calm his nerves.
  2. The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of inhaling and exhaling properly.
    → The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of proper breathing.
  3. The air in the room felt stale and suffocating.
    → The room lacked ventilation and felt suffocating.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. breathing
  2. breathing
  3. muscles
  4. scent

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Breathing
  2. a) Breathing
  3. b) Breathing
  4. a) Respiration
  5. b) Breathing

Exercise 3:

  1. He focused on his breathing to calm his nerves.
  2. The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of proper breathing.
  3. The room lacked ventilation and felt suffocating.

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