“Breath” vs. “Breathe”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “breath” and “breathe”

  • Breath is a noun, while breathe is a verb.
  • Breath refers to a single inhalation or exhalation, while breathe is the ongoing process of inhaling and exhaling.
  • Breath can be used figuratively, while breathe is strictly a physical action.
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What is the definition of “breath” and “breathe”?

Breath
  • A breath is the air taken into or expelled from the lungs; it is a single instance of inhaling or exhaling.
  • Breath can also refer to the ability to breathe.
  • In figurative language, breath can refer to a brief moment or interval of time.
Breathe
  • To breathe is the act of inhaling and exhaling air from the lungs.
  • Breathe is a verb that describes the physical process of breathing.
  • Breathing is essential to human life, as it provides the body with oxygen and helps remove carbon dioxide.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Breath” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Breath
559,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She took a deep breath before jumping off the high dive.
  2. His breath smelled like coffee and cigarettes.
  3. The wind stole her breath away as she walked along the beach.
Breathe
244,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. In yoga, they teach you how to breathe deeply and evenly.
  2. He had to remind himself to breathe, to stay calm in the face of danger.
  3. She struggled to breathe in the thick smog that filled the city streets.
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