breath

• Nom désignant l'air inspiré ou expiré par les poumons lors de la respiration, ou l'action même de respirer une fois.

A noun referring to the air taken into or expelled from the lungs during respiration, or a single act of breathing.

1. Air taken in or expelledA1formal

   The air that is taken into or expelled from the lungs during respiration.

   respiration

   • She took a deep breath before diving into the water.
   • His breath was visible in the cold winter air.
   • The doctor asked him to hold his breath for a few seconds.

2. A small amount or hintB2informal

   A very small amount or a slight trace of something.

   souffle (au sens de petite quantité)

   • There was not a breath of wind on the lake.
   • He spoke with a breath of excitement in his voice.
   • She caught a breath of fresh air after being inside all day.

   Synonymesdashhintsprinklingsuggestionsuspiciontingetouchtracewhiff

3. Life or vitalityB2formal

   Used metaphorically to refer to life, energy, or existence.

   Souffle de vie

   • The new manager brought a breath of fresh air to the company.
   • He fought for every breath during his illness.
   • The garden was a breath of life in the middle of the city.

   Synonymesanimationessenceexistencelifelife forcesoulspiritvitality