sigh

To breathe out slowly and audibly, often because you feel sad, tired, or relieved.

• She sighed and closed her eyes.
• He sighed with relief when the exam ended.
• Why are you sighing so much today?

How to use it: sigh with something (He sighed with relief when he found his keys.)

Similar words: sithe

Common phrases: sigh with relief, sigh deeply, sigh in disappointment, sigh heavily

To make a soft, long sound like someone breathing out slowly.

• The wind sighed in the trees.
• A breeze sighed through the reeds.
• Outside, the branches were sighing softly in the night air.

How to use it: sigh through/in something (The breeze sighed through the tall grass.)

Similar words: whisper, rustle

Common phrases: wind sigh, sigh through trees, sigh in something

A slow, audible breath out that often shows sadness, tiredness, or relief.

• He gave a long sigh.
• We all breathed a sigh of relief.
• Her heavy sighs showed how tired she was.

How to use it: sigh of something (She gave a sigh of disappointment.)

Common phrases: sigh of relief, deep sigh, let out a sigh

Used in writing to show that you feel tired, sad, annoyed, or disappointed.

• Sigh, I forgot my keys again.
• Sigh, another meeting that could have been an email.
• Sigh, I wish this rain would stop.

Similar words: ugh, alas

Common phrases: sigh, another delay, sigh, here again