breasting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, mostly literary or technicalFormal/Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “breasting” mean?
The act of moving forward against something, or presenting one's chest/breast toward something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of moving forward against something, or presenting one's chest/breast toward something.
Can refer to: 1) advancing against resistance (like waves or a crowd); 2) confronting something boldly; 3) the area or action involving the breast or chest (in technical/specialized contexts).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The verb 'to breast' and its participle are used similarly in both varieties. The phrase 'breasting the tape' (finishing a race) might be slightly more common in UK sports commentary.
Connotations
Carries a somewhat archaic, poetic, or heroic connotation when used metaphorically (e.g., 'breasting the waves'). In technical contexts (construction, mining), it is neutral.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday conversation in both varieties. Slightly higher occurrence in British literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “breasting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + is/was breasting + [Object (often 'the' + noun)]breasting + [preposition (through/against/into)] + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breasting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ship was breasting the heavy swell of the Atlantic.
- The runner was breasting the tape just ahead of her rival.
American English
- The hikers were breasting the steep slope slowly.
- He stood breasting the criticism with remarkable calm.
adjective
British English
- The breasting wall deflected the floodwaters. (Technical term)
American English
- The mining crew worked on the breasting area of the tunnel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used in specific fields: mining ('breasting' a face of coal), sailing/navigation ('breasting a sea'), and athletics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breasting”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'facing' in casual contexts. It's highly marked.
- Spelling: 'bresting' (missing 'a').
- Using it to mean 'developing breasts' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in literary, historical, or specific technical contexts (sailing, mining, athletics).
No. The verb for that action is 'breastfeeding'. 'Breasting' does not have this meaning.
'Breasting the tape,' meaning to win a race by being the first to touch the finish line tape with one's chest.
Yes. 'Breasting' implies actively moving forward against or confronting something with effort or resistance. 'Facing' is more general and neutral.
The act of moving forward against something, or presenting one's chest/breast toward something.
Breasting is usually formal/literary/technical in register.
Breasting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɛstɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɛstɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “breasting the tape (to finish first in a race, touching the tape with one's chest)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a swimmer BREAST-stroking FORWARD, their CHEST (breast) pushing through the water — that's 'breasting' through resistance.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVING FORWARD IS CONFRONTING WITH THE CHEST; CHALLENGES ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES TO PUSH AGAINST.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'breasting' most appropriately used?