perspire

Everyday

(formal or polite) To sweat; to give off liquid through your skin when you are hot, nervous or working hard. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons it explains how the body cools down: sweat dries on the skin and takes heat away. In everyday life sweat is the common word; perspire sounds polite or formal, as in adverts or doctors' talk. Phrases: perspire heavily, begin to perspire.

Examples

• People perspire more on hot days. tree →
• He began to perspire as he waited for his turn on stage. tree →
• Animals like dogs do not perspire much; they pant instead. tree →
• Drink water because you lose water when you perspire. tree →
• The runners perspired in the heat. tree →
• Our body perspires to cool itself down. tree →

Note

Noun: perspiration. Perspire and sweat mean the same, but perspire is more polite. Do not mix up with inspire (give an idea) or expire (run out).