Reading Theme:
Inhale: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：breathe in (inhale)
inhale
/ɪnˈheɪl/
v.
To breathe air into your lungs through your nose or mouth.
breathe in
➕
/ˈbriːð ɪn/
v.
The fundamental act of drawing air into the lungs.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'inhalare': 'in-' (into) + 'halare' (to breathe).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: IN your lungs, you HAve to take air in. IN + HALE (like a deep breath).
📖 Example
After running, I stopped to inhale deeply and catch my breath.
After running, I stopped to breathe in deeply and catch my breath.
🔗 Collocations
inhale deeply – to take a long, full breath
inhale fresh air – to breathe in clean, outdoor air
inhale sharply – to breathe in quickly, often in surprise
🔄 Synonyms
breathe in (v.) – A common phrasal verb meaning to draw air into the lungs.
inspire (v.) – A technical term, often medical, for drawing breath in.
draw in (v.) – To pull air into the lungs.
🚫 Antonyms
exhale (v.) – To breathe air out of the lungs.
🌱 Derivatives
inhaler (n.) – A device used for inhaling medicine.
inhalation (n.) – The act or process of inhaling.
inhalant (n./adj.) – A medicinal preparation for inhaling; meant to be inhaled.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'inhalare', meaning 'to breathe upon'. It entered English in the early 16th century. Its medical and health-related usage became prominent with increased understanding of respiration and the dangers of inhaling pollutants.
Meaning 2：breathe in (smoke/fumes) (inhale)
inhale
/ɪnˈheɪl/
v.
To breathe in smoke or fumes, especially from a cigarette.
breathe in (smoke/fumes)
➕
/ˈbriːð ɪn sməʊk əˈr ˈfjuːmz/
v.
To intentionally or accidentally draw smoke, gas, or other substances into the lungs.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The doctor warned him not to inhale the cigarette smoke for the sake of his lungs.
The doctor warned him not to breathe in the cigarette smoke for the sake of his lungs.
🔗 Collocations
inhale smoke – to breathe smoke into the lungs
inhale fumes – to breathe in toxic gases or vapors
inhale a scent – to breathe in an aroma deeply
🔄 Synonyms
breathe in (v.) – The general action, which can apply to any substance.
suck in (v.) – Informal, often implies a stronger or deliberate action.
take in (v.) – A broader term for allowing something to enter the lungs.
🚫 Antonyms
exhale (v.) – To breathe air (or smoke) out.
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