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to suspire

to suspire

9.9
To breathe out slowly when you feel sad, tired, or relieved
  • verb
  • /səˈspaɪər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : susurrar
  • The weary traveler suspired at the sight of his home.

Examples

  • After hearing the good news, he couldn't help but suspire with joy.

  • Why do you always suspire when I mention that place?

  • As the music faded, she could not help but suspire softly.

  • He suspires heavily before sharing the sad news.

  • After a long day at work, she suspired in relief as she sank into her chair.

  • He suspired deeply, longing for the days when life was simpler.

  • Feeling overwhelmed, she allowed herself to suspire quietly while staring out the window.

Synonyms

to sigh
vsto suspire
131 1.0

To breathe out slowly so others can hear because you feel tired, sad, or relieved

often signals longing rather than tiredness
to heave
vsto suspire
19 4.3

To breathe out loudly because of effort or strong feeling

is an emotional gentle sign rather than a forceful effort
to let out a sigh
vsto suspire
3 2.3

To breathe out slowly because you feel relieved, tired, or disappointed

may serve mainly as a sign rather than an explicit audible act

How Deep

to sob
15 1.0
to suspire
  • Archaic
9.9
to sigh
80 1.9
to exhale
62 2.6

Surface Forms

suspire infinitive
suspired past
suspired past participle
suspiring present participle

Etymology

Suspire comes from Latin parts sub- meaning 'under' and spirare meaning 'to breathe', and it is the same root you see in inspire and respire. So, suspire means to let out a long, deep breath or sigh.