breathless
|breath-less|
/ˈbrɛθləs/
difficulty breathing
Etymology
'breathless' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'brǣth' (breath) and 'lēas' (less), where 'brǣth' meant 'breath' and 'lēas' meant 'without'.
'breathless' changed from the Old English compound 'brǣthlēas' and eventually became the modern English word 'breathless'.
Initially, it meant 'without breath' (literally unable to breathe); over time it retained that sense while also developing figurative meanings such as 'astonished' or 'overwhelmed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having no breath or unable to breathe; gasping or out of breath.
After running up the hill, she stood breathless.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
extremely surprised, impressed, or awed; causing someone to be speechless or astonished.
The view from the summit left them breathless.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/07 12:26