breathless
UK: ˈbrɛθləs | US: ˈbrɛθləs
adj. 1. (of a person) gasping for air, typically due to exertion or excitement.
adj. 2. (of speech or writing) intense or rapid, conveying urgency or excitement.
adj. 3. (archaic) lifeless; without breath.
The word "breathless" combines "breath" (Old English brǣþ, meaning "air inhaled or exhaled") with the suffix "-less" (Old English -lēas, meaning "without"). Originally, it literally meant "without breath" (e.g., lifeless), but by the 16th century, it evolved to describe the physical state of gasping for air due to exertion. Later, it gained figurative uses to describe emotional or narrative intensity. The morphemes preserve their original spelling and meaning, making the word easily analyzable for learners.
She was breathless after running up the stairs.
The audience listened in breathless silence to the thrilling story.
His breathless excitement made it hard for him to speak clearly.
The detective's breathless account of the chase kept everyone on edge.
(Archaic) The breathless corpse lay motionless on the battlefield.