Cool MateAmazing vs Breathtaking
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amazing
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
Breathtaking
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Amazing
| Amazing | Breathtaking | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈbrɛθteɪkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈbrɛθteɪkɪŋ// |
| Meaning | very good or impressive | Very beautiful or amazing. |
| Example | The view from the mountain top was simply amazing. | The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, look, sound, absolutely, pretty, rather, be nothing short of amazing | breathtaking view, breathtaking scenery, breathtaking performance, breathtaking beauty, breathtaking moment |
| Antonyms | ordinary, unremarkable, boring | undramatic, uninspiring, mundane |
| Common mistakes | Overusing it for average things., Confusing it with 'amaze' as a verb., Using it in negative contexts incorrectly. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use 'amazing' to describe something that exceeds expectations. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it excessively in formal writing. | Used to describe something that is astonishing or awe-inspiring, often in relation to scenery or accomplishments. Avoid using in overly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Amazing vs Breathtaking
What's the difference between Amazing and Breathtaking?
Amazing: very good or impressive Breathtaking: Very beautiful or amazing.
Which is more common: Amazing and Breathtaking?
Amazing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Amazing: The view from the mountain top was simply amazing. Breathtaking: The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking.
Can I use Amazing and Breathtaking interchangeably?
Not always. Amazing and Breathtaking 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.