breathier

With softer voice

Breathier is the comparative form of breathy, describing a voice or sound with more audible breath mixed into it than something else.

A singer's tone might become breathier during intimate passages, or one actor's delivery might sound breathier than another's: Her voice grew breathier as she leaned closer.

vocal

husky

Rough-voiced or stocky

soft-spokenSpeaking quietly, gently
sultryHot, humid, or alluring
intimateClosely personal or private

seductive · whispered · sighing · exhaled · feathery · gentle · sensual · murmured · crooned · purring

singing

falsetto

Artificially elevated singing register

vibratoOscillating pitch effect
aspiratedPronounced with audible breath
lightVisible electromagnetic radiation

floaty · ethereal · crooning · legato · sustained · phrasing · dynamics · unplugged

phonetic

aspirated

Pronounced with audible breath

fricativeConsonant with audible friction
voicelessHaving no voice
glottalOf the throat opening

sibilant · unvoiced · consonant · exhalation · airflow · articulation

strained

wheezy

Producing labored breath sounds

laboredRequiring great exertion
raspyRough and grating
hoarseRough in voice

gasping · panting · winded · exerted · fatigued · effortful · asthmatic · huffing · struggling · constricted

Opposites

vocal quality/clarity

breathierclearer

More easily understood

sharper · crisper · tighter · purer · fuller

Phrases

deep breathingDeliberate slow inhalation practice
heavy breathingLoud, effortful respiration
breathing inAir entering lungs
breathing roomSpace for relief
breathing spellBrief rest interval
breathing outExpulsion of air

Family

breathing, breathiest

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