Word
breathtaking
Phoneticsbreath·tak·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/
UK/bɹˈɛθteɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
01beautiful or impressive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely beautiful or amazing to look at.
adj. stunningly beautiful or impressive; often used to describe landscapes, views, or artistic performances.
“The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.”
“The hikers paused at the ridge to admire the breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped peaks stretching toward the horizon.”
Usage
usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'look'.
Synonyms
02shocking or surprising
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. very surprising or shocking, often because of someone's boldness or a lack of shame.
adj. astonishingly bold or shocking in degree; frequently used to describe negative qualities like arrogance or hypocrisy.
“The company showed a breathtaking lack of concern for its customers.”
“The politician's breathtaking hypocrisy was immediately called out by the press during the morning briefing.”
Usage
often used in a critical or evaluative context.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The surface of Mars is home to some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes in the solar system.” “They cut off roads, bulldoze lands and cut down trees."
The speed of change here is breathtaking.” Etymology
From breath + taking.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/breathtaking