breathlessly
UK: /ˈbreθləsli/ | US: /ˈbreθləsli/
adv. in a way that shows intense excitement, fear, or lack of breath
adv. without pausing; hurriedly
The word "breathlessly" combines "breath" (Old English brǣþ, meaning "air exhaled or inhaled") with the suffix "-less" (Old English -lēas, meaning "without"), forming "breathless" (deprived of breath or unable to breathe calmly). The adverbial suffix "-ly" (Old English -līce) transforms it into an adverb, describing an action performed with urgency or overwhelming emotion. The progression reflects a literal to figurative shift—from physical breathlessness to metaphorical intensity.
She ran breathlessly to catch the last train.
The audience watched breathlessly as the hero faced the villain.
He spoke breathlessly after climbing the steep hill.
The children listened breathlessly to the thrilling story.
The reporter announced the news breathlessly, without pause.