Breadth vs Breath vs Breathe: Meanings and Usage in a Sentence

Breadth, breath, and breathe are completely different in meaning, so let’s get started.

Breadth is a noun meaning “width or length”—the size of something in one horizontal direction—side-to-side. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the extent of knowledge and ideas:

He laid out the plans for his business, covering the full breadth of the table.

This poet’s ideas had unusual breadth, including many ideas ahead of their time.

In its metaphorical use, breadth can take on the meaning “liberality” or “openness”—as implied by the second example above.

Breath and breathe, in contrast, are the same word in noun (breath) and verb (breathe) form:

You can learn to relax deeply by counting your breaths, one breath at a time.

If you breathe with your mouth closed, you should breathe more slowly.

Breathe and breath also have many extended and metaphorical uses:

People in hot climates try wear loose thin clothing that breathes.
(to allow air to pass through)

The creation of the Gaza strip was originally meant to give both sides some room to breathe. (to relax and feel more free)

That song is like a breath of fresh air.
(refreshing)

Don’t breathe down my neck!
(put pressure on)

Let’s take a breather.
(take a rest)

You can also breathe new life into something (like a project). Something impressive may take your breath away. Breath is an important metaphor in English (as in most cultures).

Examples How to Use "Breadth" in a Sentence

1. Breadth can be measured in meters or miles.
2. The breadth of the Red Sea is 355 kilometers.
3. The breadth of their author’s work is quite impressive.
4. The breadth of his knowledge was only matched by the depth of his experience.
5. It is important that your company's website display a breadth of information that reflects your business's character and unique value propisition.
6. The breadth of his argument went beyond the bounds of my comprehension.
7. The breadth of the debate topics was wide, but it did not allow ample time for each canditate to give more detailed responses.
8. The breadth of my love for you is immeasurable.

Examples of How to Use "Breath" in a Sentence

1. The smell of linen filled the room as I breathed in the crisp morning air.
2. He pulled her close, taking a deep breath.
3. Breathlessly, she told the story of the attack.
4. She breathed heavily, watching the last of the light from the sun disappear below the horizon.
5. Scott breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the chilled mountain air.
6. I felt my chest tighten with each breath I took.
7. Even though my boss thought it was hopefull, I knew my team and I could breath new life into the project.
8. Inhaling deeply as if to catch your breath, you can feel your chest expand.
9. I have worked hard to focus on my breath, tuning out all of the negative thoughts trying to steal my attention.
10. I needed to take short quick breaths, while the doctor monitored my oxygen levels.

Examples of How to Use "Breathe" in a Sentence

1. I felt myself relax as I breathed in and out, and I knew that these new meditation sessions would be worth it.
2. Alberto breathed in deeply, taking in his beloved's scent.
3. When I'm out of breath, I need to breathe.
4. She could feel herself slowly falling asleep as she took a deep breath and counted to four.
5. I can’t remember the last time I’ve taken a deep breathe in public.
6. I breathed in deeply and the fresh air felt invigorating.
7. The man in front of me breathed out a long sigh.
8. Taking breaths refreshes your body
9. I breathed in a deep breath of the fresh spring air.
10. Samantha continued to breath in and out, trying to calm down.