What does breathtaking mean?
Breathtaking is an adjective used to describe things so beautiful, impressive, or striking that they seem to take one's breath away. It is most often applied to natural scenery, works of art, athletic feats, and dramatic moments — a breathtaking vista, a breathtaking performance, a breathtaking goal. The word derives from the literal idea of breath being taken by strong emotion, whether wonder or shock. Although predominantly positive and enthusiastic in tone, breathtaking can occasionally carry a critical edge when describing behaviour, as in 'breathtaking arrogance,' where it conveys audacity rather than admiration. It functions as an intensifying adjective in both formal writing and casual conversation, making it a versatile choice for expressing powerful reactions. Its adverbial form, breathtakingly, appears frequently in descriptive prose, particularly in travel writing and reviews.
adjectiveAstonishingly beautiful, impressive, or striking; overwhelming in effect so as to take one's breath away. It can also describe something that causes shock or alarm.
- Overwhelmingly beautiful or impressive; awe-inspiring.
- Causing shock or astonishment, sometimes with a negative connotation (e.g., breathtaking audacity).
"The view from the summit was simply breathtaking."
"The northern lights put on a breathtaking display across the Arctic sky."
"Her breathtaking arrogance left the entire boardroom speechless."
The word literally means it steals your breath — English speakers have been gasping at beauty since the late 18th century.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of breathtaking
Breathtaking is an English compound formed from the verb phrase 'to take someone's breath away,' combining 'breath' (from Old English 'brǣþ') and 'take' (from Old Norse 'taka'). The adjective emerged in English around the mid-18th century, initially describing things that literally caused a loss of breath before extending figuratively to anything astonishingly beautiful or shocking. It shares its roots with related words built from 'breath' and 'take,' such as 'breathless' and 'overtake,' reflecting its thoroughly Germanic origins.
Related word forms
How breathtaking is actually used
Register is neutral to slightly elevated; common in both journalism and everyday speech. While overwhelmingly positive when describing landscapes, art, or performances, 'breathtaking' can carry a negative shade when applied to behaviour — as in 'breathtaking rudeness' — where it implies audacity or excess rather than admiration.
Easily confused with breathtaking
'Breathtaking' describes something astonishingly beautiful or impressive, while 'heartbreaking' describes something that causes intense sorrow or grief.