respire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “respire” mean?
to breathe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to breathe
to inhale and exhale air; to undergo the biochemical process of cellular respiration; to take a breath or recover figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Slightly more technical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and formal in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “respire” in a Sentence
[Subject] respires.[Subject] respires [Object - air/gas].[Subject] respires [Adverbial - through gills/leaves].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “respire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Patients under sedation may respire shallowly.
- The doctor noted the fish could respire in the oxygenated water.
American English
- All mammals respire using lungs.
- The data shows how the plant respires at night.
adverb
British English
- No direct adverbial form 'respire'.
American English
- No direct adverbial form 'respire'.
adjective
British English
- The respiratory system is crucial.
- No direct adjectival form 'respire'.
American English
- Respiratory diseases can be severe.
- No direct adjectival form 'respire'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, medicine, and botany to describe the process of gas exchange.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'breathe' is always preferred.
Technical
Core term in physiology and cellular biology for the process of obtaining energy from organic molecules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “respire”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “respire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “respire”
- Using 'respire' in casual conversation instead of 'breathe'.
- Confusing spelling with 'inspire' or 'perspire'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Breathe' is the common, everyday word. 'Respire' is formal, technical, and often used in scientific contexts to describe the entire process of gas exchange for energy production.
Yes, though it's rare and poetic. It can mean to recover or feel relief, as in 'The valley seemed to respire in the cool evening air.'
Yes, etymologically. Both come from Latin 'spirare' (to breathe). 'Inspire' means to breathe in or motivate, while 'respire' means to breathe repeatedly.
The primary noun is 'respiration'. 'Respirator' is a device that helps a person respire.
to breathe.
Respire is usually formal, technical in register.
Respire: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈspaɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈspaɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] To respire freely again (to feel relieved).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hospital RESPIRator: a machine that helps you RESPIRE.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREATHING IS LIVING (e.g., 'The project finally respired new life after the investment.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'respire' MOST appropriate?