Is the word bench have the short e sound?

No. The EA pair in breathe has a long E sound, and the final E is not pronounced. (bree-th)

In the noun breath, the EA has the short E sound (breth).
How am I suppose to know I am asking you does it have a short e sound
No. The EA pair in breathe has a long E sound, and the final E is not pronounced. (bree-th)

In the noun breath, the EA has the short E sound (breth).