Breath vs. Breadth — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Breath refers to the air inhaled and exhaled in breathing, while breadth denotes the width or extent of something.
Difference Between Breath and Breadth
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Breath is primarily associated with the physiological process of inhaling and exhaling air, crucial for respiratory function. Whereas breadth pertains to a measurement dimension, specifically referring to the width of an object or space, indicating its size across from side to side.
Breath can also be used metaphorically to describe a brief moment in time, as in taking a breath to pause or rest. On the other hand, breadth is often used in a figurative sense to discuss the wide range or scope of something, such as the breadth of knowledge or experience.
The term breath is derived from Old English "bræþ," which means the air taken into or expelled from the lungs. Whereas breadth comes from "bredth," modifying "broad" with a typical Old English pattern to denote a spatial concept.
In literature, breath is commonly used to convey sensory experiences or emotional responses, reflecting the act of breathing in various contexts. In contrast, breadth is employed to describe comprehensive extents, like the breadth of a narrative or the broad scope of a study.
Breath is essential in cultural expressions and idioms, such as "a breath of fresh air" or "breathless." Whereas breadth is used to indicate thoroughness in analysis or diversity in content, as in "breadth of coverage" or "breadth of opportunities."
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The air inhaled and exhaled in breathing.
The width or extent of something.
Usage
Physiological and metaphorical.
Spatial and figurative.
Origin
From Old English "bræþ."
Derived from "bredth," related to "broad."
Common Contexts
Breathing, moments, sensory experiences.
Measurements, scope, comprehensive analysis.
Example Expressions
"Catch one's breath," "out of breath."
"Breadth of experience," "breadth of the market."
Compare with Definitions
Breath
The act of inhaling and exhaling air.
She took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
Breadth
The measure of something's width.
The bridge was impressive in both length and breadth.
Breath
A small amount of something, especially air or smoke.
He could smell the faint breath of perfume in the air.
Breadth
Fullness or body (used figuratively).
The breadth of the novel's narrative is captivating.
Breath
A short pause or rest.
He took a breath between each exercise.
Breadth
A wide range or scope.
The breadth of topics covered in the lecture was astonishing.
Breath
A slight movement of air.
A gentle breath of wind brushed past us.
Breadth
Comprehensive quality or wide extent.
Her breadth of knowledge makes her an excellent tutor.
Breath
Life force or vitality.
The breath of life is fundamental to all beings.
Breadth
The distance from side to side of a thing.
He measured the breadth of the doorway.
Breath
The air taken into or expelled from the lungs
I was gasping for breath
His breath smelled of garlic
Breadth
The measure or dimension from side to side; width.
Breath
The act or process of breathing; respiration
Swam down to the reef, holding his breath.
Breadth
A piece usually produced in a standard width
A breadth of canvas.
Breath
A single act of breathing
Take a deep breath.
Breadth
Wide range or scope
Breadth of knowledge.
Breath
The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration
As long as there is breath in my lungs.
Breadth
Tolerance; broadmindedness
A jurist of great breadth and wisdom.
Breath
Air that is exhaled, as evidenced by vapor or odor
It's so cold you can see your breath.
Breadth
An effect of unified, encompassing vision in an artistic composition.
Breath
The capacity to breathe, especially in a natural and unlabored manner
Suffering from shortness of breath.
Breadth
The extent or measure of how broad or wide something is.
The breadth of the corridor is 4.5 metres.
Breath
Spirit or vitality
Colors that lend breath to his paintings.
Breadth
A piece of fabric of standard width.
Breath
A momentary pause or rest
If I could have a breath before I go on.
Breadth
Scope or range, especially of knowledge or skill.
Expand one's breadth of marketing
Breath
A momentary stirring of air
Not a breath of air stirred the leaves.
Breadth
(arts) A style in painting in which details are strictly subordinated to the harmony of the whole composition.
Breath
A softly spoken sound; a whisper
There was hardly a breath of protest.
Breadth
(graph theory) The length of the longest path between two vertices in a graph.
Breath
(Linguistics) Exhalation of air without vibration of the vocal cords, as in the articulation of p and s.
Breadth
Distance from side to side of any surface or thing; measure across, or at right angles to the length; width.
Breadth of coloring is a prominent character in the painting of all great masters.
Breath
(uncountable) The act or process of breathing.
I could hear the breath of the runner behind me.
The child's breath came quickly and unevenly.
Breadth
An ability to understand a broad range of topics;
A teacher must have a breadth of knowledge of the subject
Breath
(countable) A single act of breathing in or out; a breathing of air.
I took a deep breath and started the test.
Breadth
The extent of something from side to side
Breath
(uncountable) Air expelled from the lungs.
I could feel the runner's breath on my shoulder.
Breath
(countable) A rest or pause.
Let's stop for a breath when we get to the top of the hill.
Breath
A small amount of something, such as wind, or common sense.
Even with all the windows open, there is hardly a breath of air in here.
If she had a breath of common sense, she would never have spoken to the man in the first place.
Breath
(obsolete) Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
Breath
(obsolete) Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
Breath
Misspelling of breathe
In the polar regions one finds dark cold waters with few places to breath.
Breath
The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.
Melted as breath into the wind.
Breath
The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.
Breath
The power of respiration, and hence, life.
Thou takest away their breath, they die.
Breath
Time to breathe; respite; pause.
Give me some breath, some little pause.
Breath
A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.
He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
Breath
Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
The earthquake voice of victory,To thee the breath of life.
Breath
A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
Breath
A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.
Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
Breath
Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
The breath of flowers.
Breath
Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
An after dinner's breath.
Breath
The process of taking in and expelling air during breathing;
He took a deep breath and dived into the pool
He was fighting to his last breath
Breath
The air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration;
His sour breath offended her
Breath
A short respite
Breath
An indirect suggestion;
Not a breath of scandal ever touched her
Breath
A slight movement of the air;
There wasn't a breath of air in the room
Common Curiosities
What does breadth imply in a non-physical context?
In non-physical contexts, breadth often refers to the range or scope of something, like knowledge or experiences.
How does breadth relate to measurements?
Breadth refers to the distance or width across an object or space from side to side.
What is the primary physiological function of breath?
Breath is essential for the respiratory process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
What role does breath play in mindfulness and meditation?
In mindfulness and meditation, focusing on one's breath is a fundamental practice for achieving calmness and awareness.
Is breath ever used in technical or scientific contexts?
Yes, breath is frequently used in medical, biological, and environmental sciences to discuss aspects of breathing and air quality.
How does the figurative use of breadth enhance literary descriptions?
Using breadth figuratively allows writers to express extensive diversity, comprehensive coverage, or a broad approach.
Can breath be used in a figurative sense?
Yes, breath can metaphorically represent a brief pause, a small amount, or a life force.
How might one measure breadth in a practical scenario?
Breadth can be measured using tools like rulers or measuring tapes to determine the width of objects or spaces.
How do the terms breath and breadth differ in usage?
Breath is used in contexts related to air, life, and brief moments, whereas breadth is used to discuss width, scope, and comprehensiveness.
What are some common expressions using breath?
Common expressions include "a breath of fresh air" and "to hold one's breath."
Can the term breath be used in emergency medical contexts?
Yes, breath is critically discussed in emergency situations, particularly regarding its absence or difficulty, as in respiratory distress.
How do the concepts of breath and breadth relate to each other in yoga?
In yoga, breath control (pranayama) is used to enhance physical and mental wellness, while the breadth of practices enriches the holistic approach to health.
What are some common expressions using breadth?
Examples include "breadth of the market" and "breadth of experience."
What might "the breadth of a project" refer to in professional settings?
It refers to the wide range of tasks, goals, or scopes involved in completing a project.
Can breadth be used to describe attributes of a person?
Yes, describing a person's breadth of knowledge or experience highlights their comprehensive skills or understanding.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
