Length vs. Breath — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Length measures the extent of something from end to end, focusing on its longest dimension, while breadth (correctly spelled "breadth") refers to the measure of its width or the distance from side to side.
Difference Between Length and Breath
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Length is a fundamental dimension in both the physical and abstract realms, indicating the distance from one endpoint to another along the longest side of an object or space. It is often measured in units such as meters or feet. Breadth, on the other hand, describes the width of an object, emphasizing the distance across it from one side to the other, and is key in determining the overall size and space an object occupies.
When considering the dimensions of a rectangle, for example, length refers to the longer side of the rectangle, while breadth refers to the shorter side. This distinction is crucial in fields such as architecture, engineering, and design, where precise measurements are essential for creating accurate plans and structures.
In mathematical contexts, length is used to describe one-dimensional figures, whereas breadth is used to discuss two-dimensional spaces, highlighting the width aspect. Breadth is particularly important when calculating area, as it works in conjunction with length to define the size of a plane.
While length is a concept that can also be applied to more abstract notions, such as the length of a piece of music or the duration of an event, breadth does not typically extend into the abstract in the same way. Breadth remains a largely physical or spatial term, used to discuss the expanse or width of tangible objects.
The measurement of length is fundamental in navigation and geography, where it might describe the length of a river or road, whereas breadth is seldom used in such contexts. Instead, breadth finds more relevance in describing the physical features of objects, such as the breadth of a building or a book.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The measurement of something from end to end along its longest side.
The measure of something from side to side; its width.
Measurement Unit
Meters, feet, inches, kilometers, etc.
Meters, feet, inches, etc.
Application
Used to describe the longest dimension of objects, distance, or abstract concepts like time.
Used to describe the width of objects, emphasizing their size or space they occupy.
Contexts
Navigation, geography, music duration, event timing.
Architecture, design, calculating area.
Abstract Use
Can describe durations or lengths of non-physical entities.
Primarily used for physical or spatial measurements.
Compare with Definitions
Length
Measurement from one end to another.
The length of the bridge is 200 meters.
Breath
Measurement of width.
The breadth of the fabric is 45 inches.
Length
Extent in space.
The length of the field is twice its width.
Breath
Width of an object or space.
The breadth of the building allowed for large rooms.
Length
Size of a one-dimensional figure.
The length of this line segment is 10 cm.
Breath
Distance from side to side.
The table's breadth makes it difficult to fit through the door.
Length
Duration of time.
The length of the movie was nearly three hours.
Breath
Extent of physical width.
The breadth of the river varies along its course.
Length
Distance between points.
The length between two cities can be covered in five hours by train.
Breath
Indicator of size or expanse.
The garden's breadth was impressive, spanning several acres.
Length
Length is a measure of distance. In the International System of Quantities, length is a quantity with dimension distance.
Breath
The air taken into or expelled from the lungs
I was gasping for breath
His breath smelled of garlic
Length
The measurement or extent of something from end to end; the greater of two or the greatest of three dimensions of an object
The fish reaches a length of 10 inches
The delta is twenty kilometres in length
Breath
The act or process of breathing; respiration
Swam down to the reef, holding his breath.
Length
The amount of time occupied by something
Delivery must be within a reasonable length of time
Breath
A single act of breathing
Take a deep breath.
Length
A piece or stretch of something
The surviving length of track
A length of brown satin
Breath
The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration
As long as there is breath in my lungs.
Length
An extreme to which a course of action is taken
They go to great lengths to avoid the press
Breath
Air that is exhaled, as evidenced by vapor or odor
It's so cold you can see your breath.
Length
The distance from the batsman at which a well-bowled ball pitches
Lewis tended to bowl short of a length
Breath
The capacity to breathe, especially in a natural and unlabored manner
Suffering from shortness of breath.
Length
(in bridge or whist) the number of cards of a suit held in one's hand, especially when five or more
To open one heart with equal length in hearts and spades is in the modern Acol style
Breath
Spirit or vitality
Colors that lend breath to his paintings.
Length
The state, quality, or fact of being long. See Usage Note at strength.
Breath
A momentary pause or rest
If I could have a breath before I go on.
Length
The measurement of the extent of something along its greatest dimension
The length of the boat.
Breath
A momentary stirring of air
Not a breath of air stirred the leaves.
Length
A piece, often of a standard size, that is normally measured along its greatest dimension
A length of cloth.
Breath
A softly spoken sound; a whisper
There was hardly a breath of protest.
Length
A measure used as a unit to estimate distances
Won the race by a length.
Breath
(Linguistics) Exhalation of air without vibration of the vocal cords, as in the articulation of p and s.
Length
Extent or distance from beginning to end
The length of a novel.
The length of a journey.
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.
Length
The amount of time between specified moments; the duration
The length of a meeting.
Breath
(countable) A single act of breathing in or out; a breathing of air.
I took a deep breath and started the test.
Length
Often lengths Extent or degree to which an action or policy is carried
Went to great lengths to prove his point.
Breath
(uncountable) Air expelled from the lungs.
I could feel the runner's breath on my shoulder.
Length
The duration of a vowel.
Breath
(countable) A rest or pause.
Let's stop for a breath when we get to the top of the hill.
Length
The duration of a syllable.
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.
Length
The vertical extent of a garment. Often used in combination
Knee-length.
Floor-length.
Breath
(obsolete) Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
Length
The distance measured along the longest dimension of an object.
Breath
(obsolete) Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
Length
Duration.
Breath
Misspelling of breathe
In the polar regions one finds dark cold waters with few places to breath.
Length
(horse racing) The length of a horse, used to indicate the distance between horses at the end of a race.
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.
Length
(mathematics) Distance between the two ends of a line segment.
Breath
The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.
Length
(cricket) The distance down the pitch that the ball bounces on its way to the batsman.
Breath
The power of respiration, and hence, life.
Thou takest away their breath, they die.
Length
(figuratively) Total extent.
The length of a book
Breath
Time to breathe; respite; pause.
Give me some breath, some little pause.
Length
Part of something that is long; a physical piece of something.
A length of rope
Breath
A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.
He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
Length
(theatre) A unit of script length, comprising 42 lines.
Breath
Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
The earthquake voice of victory,To thee the breath of life.
Length
(bridge) The number of cards held in a particular suit.
Breath
A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
Length
(obsolete) To lengthen.
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.
Length
The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.
Breath
Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
The breath of flowers.
Length
A portion of space or of time considered as measured by its length; - often in the plural.
Large lengths of seas and shores.
The future but a length behind the past.
Breath
Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
An after dinner's breath.
Length
The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk.
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
Length
A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence.
Breath
The air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration;
His sour breath offended her
Length
Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a great length.
May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your blissWith length of days, and every day like this.
Breath
A short respite
Length
Distance.
He had marched to the length of Exeter.
Breath
An indirect suggestion;
Not a breath of scandal ever touched her
Length
To lengthen.
Breath
A slight movement of the air;
There wasn't a breath of air in the room
Length
The linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest horizontal dimension of something that is fixed in place;
The length of the table was 5 feet
Length
Continuance in time;
The ceremony was of short duration
He complained about the length of time required
Length
The property of being the extent of something from beginning to end;
The editor limited the length of my article to 500 words
Length
Size of the gap between two places;
The distance from New York to Chicago
He determined the length of the shortest line segment joining the two points
Length
A section of something that is long and narrow;
A length of timber
A length of tubing
Common Curiosities
What is breadth?
Breadth refers to the width of an object, indicating the distance from one side to the other.
How are length and breadth measured?
Both are measured using units like meters, feet, or inches, depending on the context.
How do length and breadth differ in application?
Length is used to measure the longest dimension of objects or durations, while breadth measures width, impacting area calculations and spatial planning.
Is breadth used in abstract contexts?
Breadth is primarily used for physical measurements and is less commonly applied to abstract notions.
What is length?
Length is the measurement of something from end to end, usually the longest side, or the duration of time something lasts.
What units are used to measure length and breadth?
Common units include meters, feet, inches, and kilometers, among others.
Can length and breadth be used interchangeably?
No, length refers to the longest dimension, and breadth refers to width; they serve different measurement purposes.
Can length apply to non-physical entities?
Yes, length can describe durations or extents in abstract terms, such as the length of a piece of music.
How do length and breadth contribute to area calculation?
Both dimensions are necessary to calculate the area of a rectangle, multiplying length by breadth.
Why is breadth important in architecture?
Breadth is crucial for understanding the width and spatial layout of structures, affecting design and functionality.
How does understanding length and breadth aid in navigation?
Understanding length helps in estimating travel times and distances, while breadth is less directly involved in navigation.
What is the significance of measuring length in geography?
Measuring length is essential for understanding distances between locations, river lengths, and road extensions.
Can the dimensions of length and breadth affect an object's functionality?
Yes, the proportions of length to breadth can significantly impact an object's stability, usability, and aesthetic appeal.
Does the concept of breadth apply to two-dimensional figures only?
While primarily used for two-dimensional measurements, breadth can also describe the width aspect of three-dimensional objects.
How are length and breadth relevant in everyday life?
They are essential for various tasks, including constructing and furnishing spaces, manufacturing goods, and planning travel routes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
