She took a deep breath before speaking.

The act of inhaling and exhaling air, essential for life.
He held his breath while swimming.
Take a breath to relax.
The doctor listened to his breath with a stethoscope.
take a breath
hold one's breath
catch one's breath
respiration
inhalation
exhalation
Take a deep breath before you speak.

The air that is taken into or expelled from the lungs.
He took a quick breath before diving underwater.
She held her breath while waiting for the surprise.
After running, he needed to catch his breath.
take a breath
hold your breath
deep breath
respiration
inhalation
exhalation