perspire - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
perspire Word Meanings
- to sweat
- to excrete moisture through the skin
- to work hard or exert oneself
perspire Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
perspire Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pɜːsˈpaɪə/
US
/pərˈspaɪɚ/
perspire Word Etymology
Root decomposition: per- (through) + spirare (to breathe). Historical origin: Latin 'perspirare' → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a person running through a fog, breathing heavily as sweat beads form on their forehead, symbolizing both physical effort and the body's natural response to exertion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Perspire is a verb meaning to sweat, especially through the skin, usually due to heat, exercise, or stress. It can describe the moisture leaving the body or be used metaphorically to express hard work or exertion. The term is somewhat more formal or clinical than sweat, and you’ll see it in medical or athletic writing. The past tense is perspired and the noun form is perspiration. Learners sometimes think it only refers to fear, but it covers physical exertion, heat, anxiety, and environmental warmth. Remember that perspire is intransitive: you perspire, not perspire something.
Usage Reminders
- - Use perspire in formal or medical contexts; avoid in casual chat.
- - Remember it's intransitive: you perspire, not perspire something.
- - Distinguish perspiration as the noun.
- - Pair with heat, exercise, or stress, not always with fear.
- - Consider the tone: perspire sounds more technical than sweat.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means fear or anxiety; it cannot describe physical exertion.
- It can take an object (perspire the forehead).
- It is a noun too (perspiration is the verb form).
- It should replace sweat in casual speech.
- Past tense is perspire; people forget 'ed' form is 'perspired'.
Thinking Differences
In English, perspire is a formal, clinical alternative to sweat. Learners often overuse it in casual talk or misplace it with fear-related meanings. Remember it’s intransitive and pairs with causes like heat, exercise, or stress.
Learning Tips
- Learn with heat, exercise, and stress collocations.
- Try replacing sweat with perspire in formal writing.
- Remember perspire is intransitive: you perspire, not perspire something.
- Pair perspiration for the noun form.
- Practice both literal sweat and figurative effort in sentences.
- Watch medical/athletic texts to hear formal usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'perspire'?
A.To sweat
B.To feel cold
C.To clean
D.To shine
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the word 'perspire'.
A.I can perspire the color green.
B.They decided to perspire the door.
C.When exercising, you may perspire significantly.
D.The teacher asked the students to perspire their homework.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'perspire'?
A.Sneeze
B.Sweat
C.Chill
D.Shiver
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'perspire'?
A.Freeze
B.Glow
C.Expand
D.Stagnate
Step 5: Mastery
Think of a real-life context where 'perspire' might be applicable.
A.During a hot summer day, the air was very humid.
B.While playing a sport, my clothes became soaked with moisture.
C.After a long hike, he began to perspire as the temperature rose.
D.She felt a bit dizzy after running a marathon.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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