breathes crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "breathes," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "breathes crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GASPS: Takes a quick, deep breath, often from surprise or exertion.
PANTS: Breathes quickly and with difficulty, often due to physical exertion or heat.
SIGHS: Emits a long, deep, audible exhalation indicating tiredness, sadness, or relief.
LIVES: Refers to the state of being alive, which inherently involves breathing.
7 Letters
INHALES: Draws air into the lungs.
EXHALES: Pushes air out of the lungs.
8 Letters
RESPITES: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant; a pause, often implying taking a 'breather'.
More About "breathes crossword"
The clue "breathes" in a crossword puzzle is a great example of how setters use both literal and figurative meanings to challenge solvers. While the most obvious answers relate to the physical act of respiration, such as INHALES or EXHALES, the clue can also lead to more abstract interpretations.
For instance, "breathes" can imply life itself, leading to answers like LIVES. It might also suggest a pause or a moment of relief, as seen with RESPITES. Understanding these nuances is crucial for solving trickier puzzles and can often depend on the number of letters required and the context provided by intersecting words.
Always consider the possibility of synonyms for types of breathing (gasping, panting, sighing) or words that describe conditions related to breathing, or even idiomatic expressions. The broader your vocabulary, the better your chances of hitting on the intended answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For a clue like "breathes," think about words that mean "takes a breath," "lets out air," or even words that represent the absence of breathing (though less common).
- Check word length carefully: This is your most powerful tool. If you have "breathes" and need a 5-letter word, you can quickly narrow down possibilities from INHALES or EXHALES.
- Look at intersecting letters: The letters you already have from other clues are invaluable. They will often eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one.
- Think figuratively: As discussed with "breathes," many clues have a metaphorical meaning. Could "breathes" mean "exists," "rests," or "takes a moment"? Always keep an open mind to non-literal interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'breathes' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'breathes' can directly refer to the act of respiration (inhale, exhale), but it can also imply a pause, a sigh of relief, or even the general state of being alive or active (e.g., 'the city breathes with life'). Context clues are key!
Why might 'LIVES' be an answer for 'breathes'?
Crossword clues often use indirect or metaphorical meanings. Since breathing is fundamental to life, 'LIVES' (as in, 'is alive') can be a valid answer for 'breathes' if the clue hints at existence or vitality rather than just the physical act of inhaling and exhaling.
How can I figure out if 'breathes' means inhaling or exhaling?
Look at the number of letters and any surrounding words in the clue. If it's a longer word, it might specify (e.g., 'breathes in' for INHALES). Without further context, both are possibilities, so check the letter count and intersecting words first.