breathtaking

[ breth-tey-king ]

adjective

1. thrillingly beautiful, remarkable, astonishing, exciting, or the like:

   a breathtaking performance.

breathtaking

/ ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing awe or excitement

   a breathtaking view

Derived Forms

• ˈbreathˌtakingly, adverb

Other Words From

• breathtaking·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of breathtaking¹

First recorded in 1875–80; breath + take + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The speed with which Americans have contorted their values to align with Trump’s has been breathtaking.

From Slate

"The love in that room. It was breathtaking," he added.

From BBC

Cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine utilizes the unique scale and scope of the Vatican to deliver breathtaking compositions and slowly-creeping zooms that add to the pressure of the claustrophobic atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

Then he flicked the switch, taking 39 runs from the next 24 balls he faced with some breathtaking hitting.

From BBC

If you have more time, consider going farther to the Algarve coast, where the views are breathtaking and the pace is much slower than Lisbon.

From Salon

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• exciting
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• impressive
• magnificent
• stunning
• thrilling