Breathless
/ˈbrɛθləs/
Definitions
2 meaningsUnable to breathe easily; gasping for air.
/ˈbrɛθləs/
Short of breath; gasping.
She ran so fast she became breathless.
💡 Simply: Not able to breathe easily.
More Examples
The climb left him breathless.
How It's Used
"The patient was breathless after the strenuous exercise."
"The runner crossed the finish line, breathless but victorious."
Overwhelmed with excitement or amazement.
/ˈbrɛθləs/
Extremely excited or amazed.
The news left them breathless.
💡 Simply: Very excited or surprised.
More Examples
The beauty of the scenery left her breathless.
How It's Used
"She was breathless with anticipation for the upcoming concert."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *breþles, from Old English *brēþlēas, from brēþ ‘breath’ + -lēas ‘-less’.
The word has been used in similar ways for centuries, often describing physical exertion and intense emotion.
Memory tip
Think of 'breath' and 'less' - less breath.
Word Origin
"breath + -less (without)"