Where does “breathtaker” come from?
breathtaker (English) comes from English breath, from Middle English breeth, from Old English brǣþ, from Proto-Germanic brēþiz, from Proto-Indo-European bʰrē-t-, from Proto-Indo-European bʰer- — to bear, carry.
breathtaker (English): Something astounding, impressive, or both
Definitions
- Something astounding, impressive, or both
Ancestry of “breathtaker”, step by step
breathtaker traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English breath
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | breath | The act or process of breathing; A single act of... |
| 2 | Middle English | breeth | breath |
| 3 | Old English | brǣþ | odor, scent, stink, exhalation, vapor |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | brēþiz | vapour; steam; breath; odour, smell |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰrē-t- | exhalation from heat; steam |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰer- | to bear, carry |