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B2 noun #3,000 más común 10 min de lectura

breathtaking

Top 3,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos breathtaking en 30 segundos

Explicación breathtaking in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'breathtaking' is a very advanced word, but the idea is simple. Think about when you see something so beautiful that you go 'Wow!' and stop breathing for a second. Maybe it is a very big mountain or a beautiful beach. Even though it is a long word, you can use it to talk about things you really, really like. You can say 'The view is breathtaking.' This means 'The view is very, very beautiful.' You don't need to know the complex grammar yet, just remember it means something is much better than 'good' or 'nice.' It is a special word for special things. When you go on a trip and see a sunset, you can use this word to tell your friends how amazing it was. It's like your breath is 'taken' away because you are so happy or surprised by what you see.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'breathtaking' to describe places and performances. It is an adjective. You usually put it before a noun, like 'a breathtaking view' or 'a breathtaking movie.' It is stronger than 'beautiful.' If you say 'The park is beautiful,' it is nice. If you say 'The park is breathtaking,' it means it is so beautiful that it is shocking. You should use it when you are really impressed. For example, if you see a famous building like the Eiffel Tower for the first time, you might say it is breathtaking. Remember that it is a long word: breath + taking. It means it takes your breath away. You can use it in your writing when you describe a holiday or a great experience you had with your family.

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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'breathtaking' is an 'extreme' adjective. This means it already contains the meaning of 'very.' Native speakers usually don't say 'very breathtaking.' Instead, they say 'absolutely breathtaking' or 'truly breathtaking.' You can use it to describe not just scenery, but also how fast something is happening. For example, 'The breathtaking speed of technology' means technology is changing so fast that it is surprising. You can also use it for people's skills. If a dancer is incredibly good, their performance is breathtaking. This word helps you add more emotion and variety to your English, moving beyond simple words like 'wonderful' or 'excellent.' It shows that you are deeply moved by what you are describing.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'breathtaking' in both positive and occasionally negative contexts to show emphasis. While usually positive (breathtaking beauty), it can describe 'breathtaking audacity' or 'breathtaking arrogance.' This means someone is so rude or bold that it is shocking. You should also notice how it is used in professional contexts, such as travel writing, art criticism, and business reports. It often collocates with nouns like 'scenery,' 'pace,' 'scope,' and 'performance.' At this level, you should be able to distinguish it from 'breathless.' Remember: the view is breathtaking (it takes the breath), but you are breathless (you have no breath left because you are excited or tired). Using this word correctly shows a high degree of lexical control and an understanding of nuance.

At the C1 level, you can use 'breathtaking' to add stylistic flair to your writing and speaking. You should recognize its role as a 'superlative-equivalent' adjective that functions well in persuasive or descriptive prose. You might use it to describe the 'breathtaking complexity' of a scientific theory or the 'breathtaking scale' of a social issue. It is a word that conveys a sense of wonder or profound impact. In academic or formal writing, it should be used with precision to avoid sounding hyperbolic. You should also be aware of its historical roots and how it contributes to the 'imagery' of your language. It’s not just a synonym for 'impressive'; it’s a word that evokes a physical reaction in the reader's mind, making your descriptions more vivid and memorable.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'breathtaking' and its subtle implications. You can use it to create a specific atmosphere in literary or high-level journalistic writing. You might explore the 'breathtaking irony' of a historical event or the 'breathtaking fragility' of a peace treaty. At this level, you understand that the word's power lies in its ability to bridge the gap between physical sensation and abstract concept. You can use it to manipulate the 'pace' of your narrative, using it as a focal point to stop the reader and demand their full attention. You are also aware of its potential for cliché and know exactly when to use it for maximum effect versus when to choose a more understated alternative to maintain a sophisticated tone.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

breathtaking en 30 segundos

Breathtaking is an adjective used to describe things that are extremely beautiful, impressive, or surprising, literally feeling like they take your breath away.
It is most commonly used for natural scenery, such as mountains and sunsets, but also for incredible human performances and rapid technological progress.
As an extreme adjective, it is often paired with 'absolutely' or 'truly' rather than 'very,' as it already implies a high degree of intensity.
While usually positive, it can also describe shocking negative traits like 'audacity' or 'arrogance' to emphasize how extreme and surprising they are.

The word breathtaking is a powerful adjective used to describe something so visually spectacular, emotionally overwhelming, or physically impressive that it feels as though it has literally stopped your breathing for a moment. While it originates from the physical sensation of gasping in surprise or awe, it is almost always used metaphorically to express the highest level of admiration or shock. In common usage, it serves as a 'superlative' adjective, meaning it doesn't just mean 'good' or 'nice,' but rather 'extremely impressive' or 'awe-inspiring.'

Visual Splendor: This is the most common use case. It refers to landscapes, architecture, or art that is so beautiful it dominates the viewer's attention. Think of the Grand Canyon at sunrise or the intricate ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Performance and Skill: It can describe a display of immense talent or speed. An athlete's record-breaking sprint or a musician's complex solo can be described as breathtaking because of the sheer mastery involved.

The view from the penthouse was absolutely breathtaking, showing the entire city lights stretching to the horizon.

People use this word when they want to emphasize that something is far beyond the ordinary. It is a favorite in travel writing, film reviews, and sports journalism. For example, a travel blogger might write about the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Maldives to entice readers. In a more abstract sense, it can describe a 'breathtaking pace' of change, such as how quickly technology evolves, suggesting the speed is so fast it leaves us struggling to keep up. It is a word that conveys emotion and intensity, making it more evocative than simple synonyms like 'pretty' or 'fast.'

The audacity of the thief's plan was breathtaking in its complexity and risk.

Emotional Impact: Sometimes, a story or a gesture of kindness can be breathtaking. It implies a depth of feeling that moves the observer profoundly.

She gave a breathtaking performance that left the entire audience in tears.

The mountain peak offered a breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps.

Rate of Change: In business or science, it describes rapid progress. 'The breathtaking speed of AI development' suggests the pace is shocking.

The company's breathtaking rise to the top of the market surprised all analysts.

To use 'breathtaking' effectively, you must understand its placement and the nouns it typically modifies. It functions as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun) or a predicative adjective (placed after a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'look'). Because it is a 'strong' or 'extreme' adjective, it carries a lot of weight in a sentence, often acting as the emotional centerpiece of the description.

Attributive Use: Place it directly before the noun to add immediate descriptive power. 'We stood before the breathtaking waterfall.' Here, it qualifies the waterfall as something extraordinary before the sentence even concludes.

The breathtaking scenery made the long hike worth every step.

When using it after a verb, it often requires an intensifier to match its strength. While 'The view was breathtaking' is correct, adding 'absolutely' or 'truly' makes it sound more natural to native speakers. This is because we rarely find something just 'a little bit' breathtaking; the word itself implies a total reaction. You should avoid using 'very' with breathtaking, as 'very' is typically used with gradable adjectives (like 'big' or 'nice'), whereas 'breathtaking' is an extreme adjective.

The speed at which the virus spread was breathtaking and caught the world off guard.

Modifying Abstract Nouns: You can use it with words like 'audacity', 'arrogance', 'beauty', or 'speed'. When used with negative words like 'arrogance', it emphasizes the extreme nature of the trait, almost as if the speaker is stunned by how bad it is.

The breathtaking audacity of his lies left the jury speechless.

In professional writing, such as architecture reviews or technology reports, 'breathtaking' is used to signal a paradigm shift. If a new building design is called breathtaking, it implies it has changed the skyline or set a new standard for beauty. If a processor's speed is breathtaking, it implies it is significantly faster than the previous generation. Always ensure the context justifies such a strong word; otherwise, the writing may seem overly dramatic or hyperbolic.

The actress wore a breathtaking gown made of thousands of hand-sewn crystals.

From the summit, we had a breathtaking view of the valley below.

'Breathtaking' is a staple in media that focuses on aesthetics, travel, and high-performance achievements. You will hear it frequently in nature documentaries, such as those narrated by David Attenborough, where the camera pans over vast landscapes or follows the migration of thousands of animals. In this context, the word helps the viewer connect with the visual grandeur on the screen, emphasizing that what they are seeing is a rare and wonderful sight.

Travel and Tourism: Travel guides, brochures, and tourism commercials use 'breathtaking' almost as a default adjective for beaches, mountains, and historic sites. 'Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast' is a classic marketing line.

The documentary featured breathtaking footage of the deep ocean floor.

In the world of sports and performance, commentators use 'breathtaking' to describe moments of pure athletic genius. When a gymnast performs a flawless, high-difficulty routine, or a soccer player scores a goal from an impossible angle, the commentator might exclaim, 'That was a breathtaking display of skill!' It captures the collective gasp of the crowd. Similarly, in film and theater reviews, a critic might describe a lead actor's performance as breathtaking if it was deeply moving and technically perfect.

The soloist’s high note was so breathtaking that the audience remained silent for seconds after.

Journalism and Politics: Journalists often use it to describe the scale of a situation, usually a negative or shocking one. Phrases like 'the breathtaking scale of the corruption' or 'the breathtaking speed of the economic collapse' are common in investigative reporting.

The breathtaking hypocrisy of the politician was the talk of the town.

Lastly, in the tech and business world, 'breathtaking' is used during product launches. When a CEO reveals a new device that is significantly thinner, faster, or smarter than anything before it, they might describe the innovation as breathtaking. This is meant to generate hype and signify that the product is a major leap forward, not just a minor update. You'll hear this in 'Keynote' speeches and tech reviews on YouTube.

The new smartphone features a breathtaking display with vivid colors.

While 'breathtaking' is a common word, learners often make specific errors regarding its intensity, its grammatical collocations, and its distinction from similar-sounding words like 'breathless.' Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and ensure your descriptions carry the intended weight.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Breathtaking' with 'Breathless': 'Breathtaking' describes the *thing* that causes the reaction (the view, the song). 'Breathless' describes the *person* experiencing the reaction (or physical exhaustion). You would say 'The view was breathtaking,' but 'I was breathless after the climb.'

Incorrect: I felt very breathtaking when I reached the top. (Should be 'breathless' or 'I found the view breathtaking').

Another common error is the use of degree modifiers. As mentioned previously, 'breathtaking' is an ungradable adjective. This means it already contains the idea of 'very' or 'extremely.' Therefore, saying 'very breathtaking' or 'a bit breathtaking' sounds slightly unnatural to a native ear. Instead, use 'absolutely,' 'completely,' or 'truly.' If something is only 'a little bit' breathtaking, it probably isn't breathtaking at all—you should use a word like 'nice' or 'pretty' instead.

Incorrect: That is a breathtaking sandwich. (Unless it is the most amazing sandwich in human history, this is over-the-top).

Mistake 2: Misusing the Noun Form: There is no common noun form like 'breathtakingness.' If you need a noun, use 'beauty,' 'splendor,' or 'magnificence.' For example, instead of 'The breathtakingness of the view,' say 'The breathtaking beauty of the view.'

The breathtaking speed of the car was impressive. (Correct use as an adjective).

Finally, be careful with the context of 'breathtaking audacity' or 'breathtaking arrogance.' While usually 'breathtaking' is positive, in these specific collocations, it is used to express shock at someone's rudeness or boldness. Learners sometimes think 'breathtaking' always means 'good,' but when paired with a negative noun, it becomes a way to emphasize the extreme negativity of the situation. Context is key!

The breathtaking incompetence of the manager led to the store's closure.

English has many words for 'very beautiful' or 'impressive,' but each carries a slightly different 'flavor' or intensity. Understanding how 'breathtaking' compares to its synonyms will allow you to choose the perfect word for your specific situation.

Breathtaking vs. Stunning: 'Stunning' is perhaps the closest synonym. It implies that you are 'stunned' (hit or shocked) by beauty. While 'breathtaking' focuses on the physical reaction of the lungs/breath, 'stunning' focuses on the mental shock. They are often interchangeable.
Breathtaking vs. Magnificent: 'Magnificent' suggests greatness, scale, and dignity. A palace is magnificent. A mountain range is magnificent. 'Breathtaking' is more about the immediate emotional reaction, while 'magnificent' is about the inherent quality of the object.

The breathtaking sunset was a perfect end to the day. (Emotional/Immediate)

Other alternatives include 'awe-inspiring,' which suggests a feeling of 'awe' or even a little bit of fear at something vast and powerful (like a thunderstorm or a giant glacier). 'Spectacular' is often used for events or displays, like fireworks or a theatrical show. 'Exquisite' is used for small, delicate beauty, such as jewelry or fine embroidery—you would rarely call a tiny diamond 'breathtaking,' but you would call it 'exquisite.'

The breathtaking speed of the cheetah is a marvel of nature.

Breathtaking vs. Jaw-dropping: 'Jaw-dropping' is more informal. It implies that your mouth literally fell open in surprise. It is often used for shocking news or incredible stunts, whereas 'breathtaking' is more commonly associated with beauty.

The breathtaking finale of the opera earned a ten-minute standing ovation.

In summary, choose 'breathtaking' when you want to emphasize a physical-emotional reaction to beauty or scale. Choose 'spectacular' for a show, 'magnificent' for something grand, and 'stunning' for something that leaves you momentarily speechless. By varying your vocabulary, you can provide more precise descriptions that paint a clearer picture for your listener or reader.

The valley was filled with breathtaking wildflowers in every color imaginable.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Before 'breathtaking' became a single word, people used the phrase 'to take one's breath away' for centuries. The adjective form was a way to turn that dramatic physical reaction into a convenient descriptive label.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/

US /ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable (BREATH).

Rima con

earthshaking painstaking heartbreaking undertaking merrymaking lawbreaking matchmaking money-making

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'breath' as 'breathe' (breeth). 'Breath' rhymes with 'death'; 'breathe' rhymes with 'seethe'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable (breath-TAK-ing).
Missing the 'th' sound or replacing it with 't' or 'f'.
Pronouncing 'taking' as 'takin'.
Confusing the spelling with 'breath taking' (two words).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, though the spelling is long.

Escritura 4/5

Requires knowledge of common collocations and intensifiers like 'absolutely.'

Expresión oral 4/5

The 'th' sound can be tricky for some non-native speakers.

Escucha 2/5

Usually emphasized by speakers, making it easy to catch.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

breath take beautiful amazing view

Aprende después

stunning awe-inspiring audacity scenery magnificent

Avanzado

sublime resplendent transcendent stupendous unrivaled

Gramática que debes saber

Non-gradable adjectives

You cannot say 'very breathtaking' because it is already an extreme word. Use 'absolutely' instead.

Adjective order

A breathtaking large mountain (Opinion + Size).

Participle adjectives

'Breathtaking' is a present participle used as an adjective, describing the cause of the feeling.

Hyphenation

While often written as one word, some older texts might hyphenate it as 'breath-taking.'

Adverbial form

Add -ly to make 'breathtakingly' to modify verbs or other adjectives (e.g., breathtakingly fast).

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Ejemplos por nivel

The sunset was breathtaking.

The sunset was very, very beautiful.

Subject + verb + adjective.

I saw a breathtaking mountain.

I saw a mountain that was amazing.

Adjective before a noun.

The flowers are breathtaking.

The flowers are so pretty they surprise you.

Plural subject + are + breathtaking.

Is the view breathtaking?

Is the view very beautiful?

Question form.

The blue sea is breathtaking.

The sea is very beautiful.

Adjective + noun.

It was a breathtaking day.

It was a very wonderful day.

It was a + adjective + noun.

Her dress is breathtaking.

Her dress is very beautiful.

Possessive pronoun + noun + is + breathtaking.

The big park is breathtaking.

The park is very impressive.

Simple adjective use.

We had a breathtaking view from our hotel room.

The view we saw was amazing.

Using 'had' to describe an experience.

The dancer gave a breathtaking performance tonight.

The dancer was very, very good.

Adjective modifying 'performance'.

The breathtaking scenery made us very happy.

The beautiful nature made us happy.

Breathtaking as a subject modifier.

The speed of the car was breathtaking.

The car was surprisingly fast.

Describing speed.

I want to see the breathtaking Grand Canyon.

I want to see the famous, beautiful canyon.

Proper noun + breathtaking.

The movie has breathtaking special effects.

The movie's effects look very real and amazing.

Modifying a plural noun.

The singer has a breathtaking voice.

The singer's voice is wonderful.

Describing a quality.

The garden was breathtaking in the spring.

The garden was very beautiful in spring.

Using a prepositional phrase 'in the spring'.

The sheer scale of the Alps is absolutely breathtaking.

The size of the mountains is truly amazing.

Using 'absolutely' as an intensifier.

It was breathtaking to see how much the city has changed.

It was shocking to see the progress.

It + was + breathtaking + to-infinitive.

The breathtaking pace of the game kept the fans excited.

The fast speed of the game was impressive.

Breathtaking describing 'pace'.

She wore a breathtaking gown to the awards ceremony.

Her dress was stunning and elegant.

Describing fashion.

The breathtaking beauty of the island attracts many tourists.

The island's beauty is the main reason people go there.

Breathtaking beauty (common collocation).

The athlete showed breathtaking strength during the lift.

His strength was very impressive.

Describing physical ability.

We were stunned by the breathtaking clarity of the water.

The water was so clear it was amazing.

Clarity + of the water.

The breathtaking finale of the play left everyone speechless.

The end of the play was amazing.

Describing the end of an event.

The breathtaking audacity of the proposal shocked the board members.

The boldness of the idea was surprising.

Using breathtaking in a more abstract, slightly negative sense.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing every detail of the desert.

The way the movie was filmed is amazing.

Focusing on technical skill.

There is a breathtaking array of options available for consumers today.

There are so many choices it is overwhelming.

Breathtaking array (common collocation).

The breathtaking speed of the transition to renewable energy is hopeful.

The fast change to green energy is impressive.

Describing social/economic change.

The violinist's breathtaking technique was the highlight of the evening.

Her skill was the best part.

Possessive + breathtaking + noun.

The view from the top of the skyscraper is truly breathtaking.

The view is really amazing.

Truly + breathtaking.

His breathtaking arrogance made him very unpopular with his colleagues.

He was so arrogant it was shocking.

Negative context: breathtaking arrogance.

The breathtaking scope of the project requires hundreds of workers.

The large size of the project is amazing.

Describing scope/size.

The breathtaking fragility of the ecosystem was revealed by the study.

The study showed how easily the environment can be hurt.

Abstract noun 'fragility'.

The breathtaking speed with which the rumors spread was alarming.

How fast the gossip went was shocking.

Relative clause 'with which...'.

The breathtaking precision of the laser surgery is a medical marvel.

The exactness of the surgery is amazing.

Technical/Scientific context.

The breathtaking variety of life in the rainforest is under threat.

The many different animals and plants are amazing.

Breathtaking variety (common collocation).

It is breathtaking to consider the distances between stars in our galaxy.

It is mind-blowing to think about the space.

It is breathtaking + to-infinitive + consider.

The breathtaking hypocrisy of the statement was not lost on the public.

People noticed how hypocritical the statement was.

Negative abstract noun.

The breathtaking elegance of the design lies in its simplicity.

The design is amazingly elegant because it is simple.

Describing design philosophy.

The breathtaking intensity of the storm caused widespread damage.

The storm was so strong it was shocking.

Describing natural forces.

The breathtaking nonchalance with which he dismissed the charges was infuriating.

He acted so casually about the serious charges it was shocking.

Nuanced use with 'nonchalance'.

The breathtaking ingenuity of the ancient irrigation system still works today.

The cleverness of the old system is amazing.

Describing historical engineering.

The breathtaking vista of the cosmos reminded us of our own insignificance.

The view of space made us feel small.

Literary/Philosophical context.

The breathtaking scale of the humanitarian crisis demands immediate action.

The crisis is so large it is shocking.

Formal/Political context.

The breathtaking fluidity of her prose makes the novel a joy to read.

The way she writes is amazingly smooth.

Describing literary style.

The breathtaking irony of the situation was that the fire station burned down.

The irony was so great it was shocking.

Breathtaking irony (common collocation).

The breathtaking complexity of the human brain remains a mystery.

The brain is so complex it is amazing.

Describing biological systems.

The breathtaking reach of the internet has transformed global commerce.

The internet's huge influence is amazing.

Describing global impact.

Sinónimos

stunning spectacular magnificent awe-inspiring astounding exquisite

Antónimos

unremarkable mundane ordinary

Colocaciones comunes

breathtaking view

breathtaking scenery

breathtaking pace

breathtaking audacity

breathtaking beauty

breathtaking performance

breathtaking array

breathtaking speed

breathtaking scope

breathtaking display

Frases Comunes

Take one's breath away

— The idiom from which 'breathtaking' is derived. It means to cause someone to feel great surprise or admiration.

The beauty of the valley truly took my breath away.

Absolutely breathtaking

— A very common way to emphasize the word using a strong adverb.

The finale was absolutely breathtaking.

Truly breathtaking

— Another emphatic form used to express genuine admiration.

Her talent is truly breathtaking.

Nothing short of breathtaking

— Used to say that something is definitely breathtaking and nothing less.

His recovery was nothing short of breathtaking.

Breathtaking in its...

— A pattern used to specify what exactly is so impressive.

The building is breathtaking in its simplicity.

A breathtaking sight

— Refers to a specific thing that is being looked at.

The waterfall was a breathtaking sight to behold.

Simply breathtaking

— Used to suggest that no other words are needed to describe the beauty.

The sunset was simply breathtaking.

Breathtakingly beautiful

— Using the adverb form to modify another adjective.

The gardens were breathtakingly beautiful in July.

Breathtakingly fast

— Using the adverb form to emphasize speed.

The situation changed breathtakingly fast.

Leave someone breathless

— A related phrase describing the effect on the person.

The news of the victory left the nation breathless.

Se confunde a menudo con

breathtaking vs Breathless

Breathless is how YOU feel (I am breathless). Breathtaking is the THING that makes you feel that way (The view is breathtaking).

breathtaking vs Breathtakingly

This is the adverb. Use it to describe HOW something is beautiful or fast (It is breathtakingly beautiful).

breathtaking vs Heartbreaking

Sounds similar but means something makes you very sad, not in awe.

Modismos y expresiones

"Take my breath away"

— To be extremely beautiful or surprising.

The view from the top took my breath away.

Common

"A sight for sore eyes"

— Something that is very pleasant to look at, especially when you are tired.

After the long hike, the lake was a sight for sore eyes.

Informal

"Knock someone's socks off"

— To impress someone very much.

The new graphics in the game will knock your socks off.

Informal

"Out of this world"

— Extremely good or impressive.

The dessert was out of this world.

Informal

"Beyond belief"

— So amazing or extreme that it is hard to believe.

The audacity of his lies was beyond belief.

Neutral

"Blow someone's mind"

— To shock or surprise someone very much.

The scale of the universe blows my mind.

Informal

"Stop someone in their tracks"

— To cause someone to stop suddenly because of surprise or beauty.

The breathtaking view stopped her in her tracks.

Neutral

"Feast for the eyes"

— Something that is very beautiful to look at.

The art gallery was a feast for the eyes.

Neutral

"Leave someone in awe"

— To make someone feel great respect and wonder.

The performance left the audience in awe.

Formal/Neutral

"Drop-dead gorgeous"

— Extremely beautiful (usually used for people).

She looked drop-dead gorgeous in that dress.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

breathtaking vs Breathless

Both come from 'breath.'

Breathless is the physical state of the person; breathtaking is the quality of the object.

I was breathless after seeing the breathtaking view.

breathtaking vs Stunning

Both mean extremely beautiful.

Stunning is slightly more common for people's looks; breathtaking is more common for nature.

She looked stunning, and the ballroom was breathtaking.

breathtaking vs Awesome

General synonyms for 'great.'

Awesome is very casual and overused; breathtaking is more specific and formal.

The pizza was awesome, but the view of the volcano was breathtaking.

breathtaking vs Spectacular

Both describe visual things.

Spectacular often implies a 'spectacle' or a show; breathtaking is more about the internal reaction.

The spectacular light show was truly breathtaking.

breathtaking vs Magnificent

Both imply greatness.

Magnificent emphasizes size and status; breathtaking emphasizes the emotional impact.

The magnificent castle offered a breathtaking view.

Patrones de oraciones

The [Noun] is breathtaking.

The beach is breathtaking.

It was a breathtaking [Noun].

It was a breathtaking movie.

The [Noun] was absolutely breathtaking.

The sunset was absolutely breathtaking.

The breathtaking [Noun] of the [Noun]...

The breathtaking beauty of the garden...

Breathtaking in its [Abstract Noun], the [Noun]...

Breathtaking in its complexity, the theory...

With breathtaking [Noun], [Subject] [Verb]...

With breathtaking audacity, he claimed the prize.

I found the [Noun] breathtaking.

I found the view breathtaking.

There was a breathtaking array of [Noun].

There was a breathtaking array of flowers.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

breath

breather

breathlessness

Verbos

breathe

Adjetivos

breathtaking

breathless

breathy

breathable

Relacionado

awe

wonder

spectacle

beauty

stunning

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in descriptive writing and media; moderate in casual speech.

Errores comunes

I was breathtaking when I saw the ocean. → I was breathless when I saw the ocean. / The ocean was breathtaking.
You cannot 'be' breathtaking unless you are the beautiful thing people are looking at. Use 'breathless' for your feeling.
It was a very breathtaking view. → It was an absolutely breathtaking view.
Breathtaking is an extreme adjective; 'very' is for gradable adjectives. Use 'absolutely' for emphasis.
The breathtakingness of the mountain was great. → The breathtaking beauty of the mountain was great.
'Breathtakingness' is not a standard English word. Use a noun like 'beauty' or 'splendor' instead.
I am breathingtaking. → I find it breathtaking.
Learners sometimes confuse the verb 'breathing' with the adjective 'breathtaking.'
The speed was breathtakingly. → The speed was breathtaking. / It was breathtakingly fast.
'Breathtakingly' is an adverb. Use the adjective 'breathtaking' after a linking verb like 'was.'

Consejos

Use for Scenery

The most natural place to use 'breathtaking' is when describing nature. If you are writing about a trip, use it for the best view you saw.

Avoid 'Very'

Remember that 'breathtaking' is an extreme adjective. Pair it with 'absolutely' to sound more like a native speaker.

Swap for 'Stunning'

If you have already used 'breathtaking' once in a paragraph, use 'stunning' or 'spectacular' the next time to avoid repetition.

Master the 'TH'

Practice saying 'breath' correctly. Don't say 'breet' or 'breez.' It should be a soft air sound at the end.

Travel Writing

In professional travel writing, 'breathtaking' is a 'power word.' Use it to highlight the main attraction of a destination.

Expressing Shock

Use 'breathtaking audacity' when someone does something so rude you can't believe it. It's a very effective way to show your surprise.

Common Pairs

Learn the common pairs: breathtaking view, breathtaking pace, breathtaking beauty. These will help you use the word correctly every time.

Global Appeal

This word is understood all over the English-speaking world. It is not specific to just British or American English.

Literal vs. Metaphorical

While the word is metaphorical, use it when the thing is so impressive it *could* literally make someone gasp.

Save it for the Best

Don't call every nice thing breathtaking. Save it for the top 1% of beautiful things to keep the word's impact strong.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'BREATH' being 'TAKEN' by a thief. When you see something 'breathtaking,' a 'beauty thief' has stolen your air because you are so surprised!

Asociación visual

Imagine standing on the edge of a high cliff looking at a vast, blue ocean. Your mouth opens slightly, and you forget to inhale for a second. That 'gasp' is the feeling of 'breathtaking.'

Word Web

scenery performance speed beauty audacity scale climax stunning

Desafío

Try to describe the most beautiful place you have ever visited using 'breathtaking' and 'absolutely' in the same sentence.

Origen de la palabra

Formed in the mid-19th century (around 1840-1850) by combining the noun 'breath' and the present participle 'taking.' It literally describes something that 'takes' your 'breath' away due to shock or wonder.

Significado original: Literally causing one to gasp or hold their breath.

Germanic (English origin).

Contexto cultural

Generally safe and positive; however, be careful when using it for negative things (like 'breathtaking audacity') as it can sound very sarcastic or biting.

Commonly used in travel shows (e.g., Anthony Bourdain) and nature documentaries (e.g., Planet Earth).

'Take My Breath Away' - famous song by Berlin from the movie Top Gun. David Attenborough often uses it to describe rare wildlife footage. Travel brochures for the Grand Canyon or Great Barrier Reef.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Travel

breathtaking panorama
breathtaking coastline
breathtaking mountain range
breathtaking architecture

Arts/Entertainment

breathtaking performance
breathtaking finale
breathtaking special effects
breathtaking talent

Business/Tech

breathtaking pace of innovation
breathtaking speed of growth
breathtaking scale of investment
breathtaking audacity of the startup

Nature

breathtaking sunset
breathtaking waterfall
breathtaking wildlife
breathtaking clarity of the sky

Personal Opinions

I found it breathtaking
It was absolutely breathtaking
A breathtaking experience
Truly breathtaking beauty

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever seen a view that was so breathtaking it made you forget everything else?"

"What is the most breathtaking performance you have ever seen live?"

"Do you think the breathtaking pace of modern technology is a good or bad thing?"

"If you could travel to any breathtaking destination right now, where would you go?"

"Can you describe a breathtaking moment from a movie that you'll never forget?"

Temas para diario

Write about a time you stood before a breathtaking landscape. What did you feel in that moment?

Describe a person's breathtaking talent or skill that you deeply admire.

Reflect on the breathtaking speed of change in your own life over the last five years.

Is beauty always breathtaking, or can small, quiet things be just as important?

Write a fictional description of a breathtaking city on another planet.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it is very strong. If you say someone is breathtaking, you mean they are exceptionally beautiful, almost like a model or a movie star. It is a very high compliment. Usually, we use 'stunning' or 'gorgeous' for people, but 'breathtaking' is used for a truly extraordinary appearance.

It is grammatically understandable, but native speakers usually avoid it. Since 'breathtaking' is an extreme adjective, it already means 'very impressive.' It is better to use 'absolutely,' 'truly,' or 'simply' to add emphasis. 'Very breathtaking' sounds a bit redundant or weak.

Yes, it can be used for things that are shockingly bad or extreme. Common phrases include 'breathtaking audacity,' 'breathtaking arrogance,' or 'breathtaking incompetence.' In these cases, the word emphasizes that the person's behavior is so extreme it leaves you speechless with shock.

They are very similar. 'Breathtaking' focuses on the physical reaction of losing your breath. 'Awe-inspiring' focuses on the feeling of 'awe'—a mix of wonder, respect, and sometimes a little bit of fear. You might call a small flower breathtaking, but you would usually reserve awe-inspiring for something huge like the galaxy.

It is a neutral to formal word. You can use it in casual conversation, but it is also very common in formal travel writing, literature, and journalism. It is more sophisticated than 'cool' or 'amazing.'

Usually, no. 'Breathtaking' is almost always used for visual sights, performances, or abstract concepts like speed. For a very good smell, you would use 'heavenly' or 'divine.' If a smell is so bad it makes you stop breathing, you would say it is 'suffocating' or 'overpowering.'

It is one word. While it was formed from 'breath' and 'taking,' it has been a single, unhyphenated word in standard English for a long time. Always write it as 'breathtaking.'

Yes, if the plot is incredibly surprising or brilliantly executed, you can call it breathtaking. However, it is more common to call the 'cinematography' (the visual part) or the 'performances' breathtaking. For a plot, people often use 'gripping' or 'mind-bending.'

The adverb form is 'breathtakingly.' You use it to modify other adjectives or verbs. For example: 'The room was breathtakingly expensive' or 'She sang breathtakingly well.'

It is an unvoiced 'th,' the same as in the word 'think' or 'path.' Your tongue should be between your teeth, and you should only push air out without using your voice box.

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