Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about panting (AI summary)

The term "panting" in literature often stretches beyond a mere description of heavy breathing, acting as a multifaceted device to evoke both physical exertion and intense emotional states. It appears in moments of raw passion—whether through the throes of desire or the fiery zeal of combat [1]—or to capture the fragile breath of a character overwhelmed by fear or excitement [2]. At times, its use can even convey a sense of relentless urgency or exhaustion, as characters confront both internal and external challenges [3]. In epic narratives and everyday struggles alike, "panting" encapsulates the immediacy of the human condition, drawing the reader closer to the visceral, palpable tension that defines a moment.
  1. With panting joy that she was there at last,–joy that overcame all distress,–Maggie neared the front of the house.
    — from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
  2. There he stopped, breathless and panting.
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  3. I saw my death before me; but I was hot and panting, with the warm blood oozing out on my face and running pleasantly through my veins.
    — from The island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux