What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
respire
Example
All living organisms respire to survive. [respire: verb]
Example
The doctor checked the patient's respiration rate. [respiration: noun]
inhale
Example
The doctor instructed the patient to inhale deeply and hold their breath. [inhale: verb]
Example
The toxic fumes were dangerous to inhale. [inhale: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inhale is more commonly used than respire in everyday language. Inhale is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while respire is more technical and is typically used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between respire and inhale?
Respire is a more formal word than inhale. It is often used in scientific or medical writing, while inhale is more commonly used in informal settings.