breeze in English
- breeze⇄adj. breezeless.
- breeze⇄breeze (1), noun, verb, breezed,breezing.
- breeze⇄breeze (2), noun.
(Archaic or Dialect.) a gadfly. Also, brize. - breeze⇄breeze (3), noun.
small cinders or the ash from a furnace, especially after burning coke. Breeze is used as a filler in mixing concrete. - breeze⇄expr. breeze up, to become stronger, as a wind.
Ex. The wind breezed up to fifteen knots (New York Times). - breeze⇄expr. in a breeze, (U.S. Informal.) with little or no strain; easily.
Ex. He got the job done in a breeze. - breeze⇄expr. shoot (or bat) the breeze, (U.S. Slang.) to talk idly, as to speculate or boast.
Ex. They spent all their time sitting around the dock and shooting the breeze (Saturday Review). - breeze⇄noun 1a. a light, gentle wind.
Ex. The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew (Samuel Taylor Coleridge).
b. (Meteorology.) any wind blowing between 4 and 31 miles per hour (on the Beaufort scale, numbers 2 through 6). See also gale (1).breeze⇄v.i. (Informal.)1. (Figurative.) to move easily or briskly.
Ex. She breezed through her homework.
2. to blow gently, as a breeze.
3. to rise on the breeze, as a noise.breeze⇄v.t. to ride or race (a horse) briskly.
Ex. Eddie Arcaro, who breezed Nashua ... will ride him Saturday (New York Times).
breeze in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
breeze in Kashmiri कॉशुर
breeze in Konkani कोंकणी
breeze in Sindhi سنڌي
breeze
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/briːz/
Definitions
- As a noun: A gentle or light wind, typically one that is pleasant.
- As a noun: A situation or task that is easy or effortless to handle.
- As a verb: To move or proceed in a carefree or easy manner.
Usage Examples
- The cool breeze made the hot day more bearable.
- The exam was a breeze; I completed it in half the time.
- He breezed through the presentation with confidence.
Etymology
Originating in the late Middle English period, the word "breeze" comes from the Old French word "brise," which means "a light wind." The term was derived from the Late Latin "brisa," also meaning "wind." The modern sense of a light, refreshing wind developed in the 16th century.
Synonyms
- Zephyr
- Gale
- Draft
- Wind
- Bluster (in some contexts)
Antonyms
- Calm
- Stillness
- Stagnation
- Hurricane (in some contexts)
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | brisa | /ˈbɾisa/ |
| French | brise | /bʁiz/ |
| German | Brise | /ˈbʁɪzə/ |
| Italian | brezza | /ˈbɾɛtsa/ |
| Portuguese | brisa | /ˈbɾizɐ/ |
| Russian | бриз | /briːz/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 微风 | /wēi fēng/ |
| Arabic | نسيم | /nasiːm/ |
| Hindi | हल्की हवा | /halkī havā/ |
| Bengali | হালকা বাতাস | /hālka bātās/ |
| Punjabi | ਹਲਕੀ ਹਵਾਈ | /halkī havā'ī/ |
| Marathi | मऊ हवा | /mau havā/ |
| Gujarati | હળવી પવન | /haḷvī pavan/ |
| Telugu | సహజ గాలివచ్చినట్లుగా | /sahaja gālivaćcinaṭlūga/ |
| Tamil | சிறிய காற்று | /siṟiya kāṟṟu/ |
| Kannada | ಸಣ್ಣ ಗಾಳಿ | /saṇṇa gāḷi/ |
| Malayalam | കാറ്റിന്റെ പൊടി | /kāṭṭinte poṭi/ |
| Odia | ହଲକା ବାତାସ | /halakā bātāsa/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In certain Southern American English dialects, the word "breeze" may be pronounced with a softer "z" sound, sounding more like "breez."
- In coastal regions, particularly near the Mediterranean, "breeze" is often spoken with an emphasis on the 'ee' sound, making it sound more like "brēz."
Historical Usage
The word "breeze" has been in use since the 16th century, initially referring to a light wind or draft that was especially felt near the coast. The usage of the term expanded over time to describe not only winds but also metaphorical "lightness" or ease, such as in the expression "a breeze" to mean an easy task or situation. Its historical context largely pertains to maritime and coastal environments, where it was most common to experience gentle, refreshing winds.
Cultural Nuances
The word "breeze" has maintained a pleasant and positive connotation in many cultures, often symbolizing comfort, tranquility, and relaxation. In several poetic traditions, breezes are described as metaphors for gentle influences or forces of change. In other cultures, particularly in Mediterranean and tropical regions, breezes are considered essential for relief from the heat and as a natural element of the local climate, often featured in folklore and songs.
More Information
The term "breeze" has evolved significantly from its origins, not just in the literal sense of a wind but also in its metaphorical implications. Today, it conveys a sense of calm and ease, whether referring to a literal gentle wind or a figurative reference to something that is simple and easy to accomplish. "Breeze" continues to be a key word in describing natural phenomena and human experiences, and its usage spans literature, music, and even colloquial speech.