breathtaking
BRETH-tey-king
/ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/
Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, beauty, or scale, so as to take one's breath away.
Conveys an intense, visceral emotional reaction of wonder and awe, often used for natural scenery or spectacular architecture.
The story behind the word. A vivid compound of 'breath' and 'taking' that arose in the mid-19th century. It literally describes the physiological reaction of gasping in surprise or awe when confronted with immense beauty or excitement.
Word relationships
- awe-inspiring: Awe-inspiring emphasizes a sense of deep respect or fear mixed with wonder, while breathtaking focuses on the sudden, physical gasp of admiration.
- unremarkable: Ordinary and common, failing to attract attention or inspire any emotion.
Commonly confused with
- picturesque: Picturesque describes a quaint, charming, paint-worthy scene, while breathtaking describes something vast, grand, or intensely stunning.
Word family
- breathtakingly (adverb): In a breathtaking manner.
Collocations
- breathtaking view
- breathtaking scenery
- absolutely breathtaking
- breathtaking performance
Example sentences
- "The view of the Grand Canyon at sunrise was absolutely breathtaking, leaving us completely speechless." Describing a natural wonder
Memory hook
A view so beautiful it literally 'takes your breath' away, leaving you gasping. Gasping in absolute awe.
When not to use
Avoid using for mildly pleasant or ordinary things; it should be reserved for truly extraordinary sights.
Fun facts
- The Stendhal Syndrome is a real psychosomatic condition where people experience rapid heart rate, dizziness, and even hallucinations when exposed to breathtakingly beautiful art or landscapes.
Related words
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