Suspires

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. To breathe out softly; to let out a gentle sigh due to emotion or fatigue; expressing a quiet longing or dissatisfaction through audible exhalation
2. Emitting a soft breath or sigh often reflecting a feeling of relief or sadness; a sound that conveys subtle emotions or reactions; the act of releasing breath in a wistful manner
3. Making a delicate exhalation that conveys feelings of sorrow or yearning; creating a sound that reflects emotional depth or weariness; the gentle release of breath signaling a change in mood or state

Etymology: "Suspires" is the third-person singular form of "suspire," a verb borrowed from Latin "suspirare," meaning "to sigh." The Latin combines "sub," which in this compound means "up from below," with "spirare," "to breathe," so the image is a breath drawn up from deep within the chest. That same root runs through a large family of English words. "Spirit" comes from Latin "spiritus," "breath," and "inspire," "expire," and "respire" all carry the sense of breath moving in, out, or back again.

Synonyms: sighs, exhales, breaths