Are you looking for some words you can use to describe the way a character in your book is breathing? Continue reading and we’ll explain how to describe breathing in writing.
1. Shallow
Definition
To take very small or short breaths.
Examples
“Amy’s breath became more and more shallow as the sound of the man’s footsteps got louder.”
“After running the mile, Francis couldn’t hide his shallow breathing. It was easy to see he was unfit.”
How it Adds Description
“Shallow” is typically used to describe a character who is having trouble breathing or taking lots of small or short breaths. “Shallow” breathing often occurs when a character is very nervous or physically struggling. For example, a character might take “shallow” breaths if they’re scared or after exercise.
2. Deep
Definition
A type of breathing that fills your lungs.
Examples
“Damon took a deep breath before he walked on stage. However, it didn’t make him feel any calmer.”
“Mary switched to deep breathing to ignore the pain coming from her leg.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “deep” to show a character’s breathing is more focused and intentional. “Deep” breathing describes large breaths that fill the character’s lungs, and these can signal that the character is trying to center themselves or relax. Anxious characters might rely on “deep” breathing to help them in a crisis, as it calms them down and leaves them more collected.
3. Pant
Definition
To breathe loudly and quickly with your mouth open.
Examples
“Teddy, the dog, panted all the way home after his 2-hour walk.”
“Mr. Morrison couldn’t stop panting after the parents’ race on sports day.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a character struggling to breathe after short and intense physical activity, “panting” is a great word to use. This style of breathing is usually done with the mouth open, and because of this, other characters might notice that the one who is “panting” is having trouble. In extreme cases, they may even need to take a break or call medical assistance.
4. Ceased
Definition
When something stops completely.
Examples
“Vera’s breathing ceased when her crush walked into the room. She didn’t expect to see him in her own home!”
“The serial killer always enjoyed hearing his victim’s breathing cease. It was the best part of the job.”
How it Adds Description
You can describe a character’s breathing stopping due to fear via “ceased.” This verb shows that the action of breathing stops in reaction to something else. If a character “ceases” to breathe, it’s likely that they’re extremely scared and paralyzed by fear.
5. Labored
Definition
Breathing that’s slow and takes a lot of effort.
Examples
“Jake took labored breaths as he walked towards the haunted house. It was time to face his fear of clowns.”
“Grandma’s breaths became labored, and she started coughing. Her family panicked and called the local doctor.”
How it Adds Description
“Labored” is an adjective that shows the character’s breathing is slowing and taking more effort. This could imply that the character is ill and their body is struggling to continue. However, it can also be used to describe a character who’s extremely anxious, as panic attacks can also cause this type of breathing. Either way, your character will likely try to remedy the cause of “labored” breathing as soon as possible.
6. Serene
Definition
Something that’s quiet and calm.
Examples
“The sound of the toddler’s excited chatter slowly turned to serene breathing during naptime.”
“For the first time in months, Ellis felt calm. His thoughts and breaths were serene as he gazed out at the sea.”
How it Adds Description
To describe calm or peaceful breathing, consider using “serene.” This adjective shows the character is relaxed and they’re not struggling to breathe. A character is more likely to breathe “serenely” if they have no troubles or have just finished a large project.
7. Heavy
Definition
To breathe loudly and deeply.
Examples
“Ellen tried to sit patiently in the waiting room, but the man next to her was breathing heavily, and the sound made her blood boil.”
“Wilbur knew his heavy breathing was distracting his classmates, but his cold prevented him from breathing normally.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is breathing so loudly that others notice it, you can describe it as “heavy.” This can happen due to illness, as characters with a blocked nose may struggle to breathe normally. Alternatively, it might signal that they’re breathing from their mouths, which produces a “heavy” breathing sound. This could irritate nearby characters.
8. Strained
Definition
Breathing that’s not relaxed.
Examples
“The CEO’s breathing was strained as he looked at the annual profits. They were not where he wanted them to be.”
“Jenny noticed her mother’s breathing was strained whenever they spoke about her failing grades.”
How it Adds Description
You can show a character is stressed through their breathing by describing it as “strained.” “Strained” breathing shows that the character is not mentally relaxed and that stress is having an effect on their body. This may further indicate that the character struggles to deal with stressful situations and they might suffer other physical ailments caused by stress.
9. Steady
Definition
Something that continues without interruptions.
Examples
“Jacob was a predictable man. He was never stressed, his days were always organized, and he was always happy. He was the type of person who would always breathe steadily.”
“Penny closed her eyes and focused on her senses. She took slow and steady breaths to calm her mind.”
How it Adds Description
“Steady” breathing is unlikely to change or stop. Therefore, a character who’s “steadily” breathing isn’t stressed or having any difficulty breathing. This could be because they’re calm, but it also signals that they’re in good health.
10. Controlled
Definition
Something that’s under the control of someone.
Examples
“Jace’s breathing was more controlled after he disembarked the rollercoaster.”
“The yoga students practiced controlled breathing during their sessions.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is conscious of their breathing or taking deliberate breaths, you can describe their breathing as “controlled.” This shows they’re thinking about their bodily functions, and it could show that they’re more aware of their body and health than others in the story. It may also imply that they’re the type of character who likes to be in control and organized in all areas of life.