Cool MateBreathtaking vs Stunning
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Breathtaking
Top 2,000 (common)
Stunning
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
| Breathtaking | Stunning | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈbrɛθteɪkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈbrɛθteɪkɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstʌnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstʌnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very beautiful or amazing. | Very beautiful or impressive. |
| Example | The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. | You look absolutely stunning! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | breathtaking view, breathtaking scenery, breathtaking performance, breathtaking beauty, breathtaking moment | be, look, find something, really, absolutely, quite, be, look, find something, really, absolutely, quite |
| Antonyms | undramatic, uninspiring, mundane | ugly, unattractive, dull |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'breath-taking'; it's one word., Using it for mundane subjects; it must be extraordinary., Using it too frequently loses impact; save for truly stunning things. | Confused with 'stun' vs 'stunning' where 'stun' refers to shock., Using 'stunning' for something ordinary., Misplacing in a sentence, leading to unclear meaning. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe something that is astonishing or awe-inspiring, often in relation to scenery or accomplishments. Avoid using in overly formal contexts. | Used to describe people, places, or things that are visually striking. More common in positive contexts. Avoid using in negative or sarcastic tones. |
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Frequently asked questions: Breathtaking vs Stunning
What's the difference between Breathtaking and Stunning?
Breathtaking: Very beautiful or amazing. Stunning: Very beautiful or impressive.
Can you show an example of each?
Breathtaking: The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. Stunning: You look absolutely stunning!
Can I use Breathtaking and Stunning interchangeably?
Not always. Breathtaking and Stunning are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.