What does perspiring mean?
Perspiring means sweating, particularly as a result of heat, physical exertion, strong emotion, or illness. The term is most often used as an adjective before a noun, as in “perspiring palms” or “a perspiring brow,” but it can also serve as the present participle of the verb “perspire.” It is more descriptive and literary than the everyday expression “sweating,” and it can suggest visible evidence of exertion or nervousness. Physiologically, perspiration is a liquid produced by sweat glands; its evaporation from the skin helps the body regulate temperature. The word is consequently associated not only with heat and strenuous activity but also with anxiety, exertion, and physical strain.
Sweating or covered in sweat.
"He wiped the perspiring face of the exhausted child."
Common especially in descriptive or literary contexts; “sweaty” is more informal and direct.
The present participle of perspire, indicating the act of sweating.
"The children were perspiring in the heat before the storm arrived."
Used as the present participle in continuous constructions such as “keep perspiring” and “were perspiring heavily.”
A drop of perspiration can be part of the body’s clever cooling system: sweat evaporates from the skin and takes heat with it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perspiring come from?
The word belongs to the same Latin root as “perspire” and “perspiration.” Latin “perspirare” was formed from the prefix “per-,” meaning “through,” and “spirare,” meaning “to breathe,” reflecting the idea of moisture passing through the skin. English borrowed the word through French, and “perspiring” is the modern present-participle form of “perspire.” The related “inspire” and “respire” ultimately reflect the same Latin verb “spirare.”
Related word forms
How perspiring is actually used
The word is standard in both British and US English but sounds somewhat more literary or descriptive than the common word “sweating.” It can also be used figuratively for a person who is visibly anxious or under pressure.
Easily confused with perspiring
Perspiring means sweating, whereas persisting means continuing to make an effort despite difficulties.