breathing (verb) — To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases.
Below are 86 adjectives commonly used to describe breathing, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include deep, heavy, rapid.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “breathing” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “deep, heavy breathing”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe breathing?
Common adjectives used to describe breathing include deep, heavy, rapid, shallow, normal. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "breathing" in written English.
How do you describe breathing in writing?
To vividly describe breathing in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For breathing, strong options include deep, heavy, rapid. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for breathing?
"deep" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "breathing" in English. Other top choices are heavy, rapid, shallow. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "deep, heavy breathing".