breathe
BREETH
/briːð/
To utter or express very quietly, as if using only a breath of air.
Suggests extreme delicacy, intimacy, or a moment of intense emotion where vocalization is barely present.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle English 'brethen', which comes from 'breth' (meaning vapor, scent, or breath). The figurative use of 'breathing' words or secrets dates back to the idea of exhaling one's thoughts directly into another's ear.
Word relationships
- whisper: Whisper is the standard verb for quiet, unvoiced speech, while breathe emphasizes the airy, delicate, and emotional quality of the utterance.
- bellow: Bellow is to emit a deep, loud, roaring sound, the absolute opposite of a delicate breath.
Commonly confused with
- sigh: Sigh is an audible exhalation expressing sadness or relief, while breathe in this context is the actual utterance of words.
Word family
- breath (noun): The air taken into and expelled from the lungs.
Collocations
- breathe a word
- breathe a sigh of relief
- breathe softly
Idioms & expressions
- don't breathe a word
Example sentences
- ""Don't say a word," she managed to breathe, her voice trembling with intense emotion as they hid in the closet." A moment of intense suspense in a story.
Memory hook
Imagine breathing out a secret so gently that only the air carries it. Breathe is to speak with nothing but air.
When not to use
Do not use when describing grumbling, complaining, or poorly articulated speech.
Fun facts
- The idiom 'don't breathe a word' literally asks someone not even to exhale the air required to speak the secret.
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