breathes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive list of solutions for the clue "breathes crossword clue", perfect for helping you complete your puzzle. We provide answers by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the connection.
Solutions for "breathes crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LIVES: This answer implies the state of being alive, which inherently requires the act of breathing.
SIGHS: A specific type of audible breath, often indicating relief, sadness, or weariness.
PANTS: Refers to breathing heavily and quickly, often after exertion.
GASPS: A sudden, short intake of breath, usually from surprise or pain.
6 Letters
INHALE: This is a direct synonym for taking air into the lungs, a fundamental part of breathing.
7 Letters
EXHALES: The counterpart to inhaling, this means to breathe out or expel air from the lungs.
10 Letters
RESPIRATES: A more formal or scientific term meaning to breathe; to undergo respiration.
More About "breathes crossword clue"
The clue "breathes" is a common yet versatile term in crosswords, often leading to answers that can be surprisingly diverse. While the most direct answers relate to the biological process of respiration, such as 'INHALE' or 'EXHALES', solvers should also consider broader interpretations. For instance, 'breathes' can metaphorically imply being alive or existing, leading to answers like 'LIVES'. The key to solving such clues lies in examining the context provided by the puzzle's setter, including the letter count and any crossing letters you've already filled in.
Cryptic clues might use "breathes" in more abstract ways, perhaps hinting at a type of sound made with breath (e.g., 'SIGHS') or even an object that "breathes" in a specific sense, like a 'DRAGON' (though less common for a direct 'breathes' clue). Always be prepared for wordplay and think about all possible meanings, both literal and figurative. Understanding these nuances will significantly improve your success rate with seemingly simple clues that hide deeper meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For a clue like "breathes," think of actions that are part of breathing (inhale, exhale) but also states related to it (lives).
- Look at letter count first: The number of letters provided for the answer is your biggest hint. If you have several options, narrow them down by length.
- Check crossing letters: Always use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "breathes" or any other clue.
- Think figuratively: Don't limit yourself to literal interpretations. Many crossword clues, especially more challenging ones, use wordplay or metaphorical meanings. Could "breathes" refer to something expanding and contracting, or something giving life to something else?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'breathes' mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'breathes' can literally refer to the act of respiration (e.g., INHALE, EXHALES, RESPIRATES) or figuratively to being alive (e.g., LIVES). It can also refer to specific types of breathing like sighs, gasps, or pants, often depending on the wordplay.
Are there different contexts for 'breathes' clues?
Yes, 'breathes' clues can appear in various contexts. They might point to the simple biological process, to a state of being (alive), or to an action that expresses emotion (e.g., 'Breathes heavily' might lead to PANTS, or 'Breathes out' to EXHALES). Always consider the surrounding words in the clue for nuance.
How can I verify if 'INHALE' or 'LIVES' is the correct answer?
To verify, check the number of letters required by the grid. Then, cross-reference with any intersecting letters from other clues. A direct synonym like 'INHALE' is often straightforward, while 'LIVES' requires a slightly more inferential leap based on the implicit connection between breathing and life.