What does perspired mean?
Perspired is the past tense of perspire, meaning to produce sweat, especially because of heat, physical exertion, illness, or emotional strain. The word can also be used figuratively for showing intense effort, anxiety, or discomfort, as when someone “perspired under pressure.” In ordinary conversation, “sweated” is usually more familiar, while “perspired” often lends a more formal or literary tone. The phrase is particularly associated with bodily reactions to difficult circumstances, making it useful for describing both physical discomfort and the pressure of a demanding situation. Its past-tense ending allows it to focus on a completed moment: a person perspired during the climb, or the candidate perspired while answering the question.
verbTo produce sweat, especially as a result of heat, exertion, illness, or emotional strain. It can also mean to show intense effort or anxiety.
- To produce sweat, especially because of heat, exertion, illness, or emotional strain.
- To show intense effort, anxiety, or discomfort, often metaphorically.
"After the long climb, she perspired heavily and took a short rest."
"He perspired as he tried to lift the heavy crate."
"The negotiator perspired under the pressure of the difficult questions."
Perspire contains “spirit” in sound and meaning: both can suggest a hidden inner process becoming visible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perspired come from?
The word comes from Latin perspirare, formed from per- and spirare, meaning “to breathe through” or “to breathe out.” In English, it developed from the sense of emitting moisture or vapour through the skin. Related forms include perspiration and perspirable, while the modern verb is commonly seen as perspire, perspired, and perspiring.
Related word forms
How perspired is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary in its literal sense; “sweated” is more common in everyday speech. The metaphorical sense is used especially for anxiety, discomfort, or the strain of trying to achieve something difficult.