bate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (outside of fixed phrase 'with bated breath')Formal/Literary (as standalone verb); Common (in fixed phrase)
Quick answer
What does “bate” mean?
to moderate, reduce, or restrain something, especially intensity, force, or emotion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to moderate, reduce, or restrain something, especially intensity, force, or emotion.
Primarily used in the fixed phrase 'with bated breath' (in eager anticipation). As a standalone verb, it can mean to lessen the force of, to flap wings (falconry), or to soak leather in an alkaline solution (tanning).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The specialized falconry and tanning meanings may be slightly more familiar in UK contexts due to historical prevalence of those activities.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The standalone verb carries an archaic/literary feel.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties outside the fixed phrase.
Grammar
How to Use “bate” in a Sentence
[Sb] bate [sth] (archaic)[Sb] wait with bated breathVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The audience waited, bating their breath for the final verdict.
- The old law could bate the severity of the sentence.
- The hawk bated from the falconer's glove.
American English
- She listened, bating her breath, for the slightest noise.
- He could not bate his enthusiasm for the project.
- The tanner will bate the hides in the solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in standalone form.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary analysis or historical texts.
Everyday
Exclusively in the phrase 'with bated breath'.
Technical
Specific use in historical falconry ('bating' = flapping wings) and tanning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bate”
- Misspelling the idiom as 'with baited breath'.
- Using 'bate' as a standalone verb in modern contexts sounds odd/archaic.
- Pronouncing it differently from 'bait' (they are homophones).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Bated breath' (from 'abate') is correct. 'Baited breath' is a common eggcorn (mishearing) implying breath used as bait, which is nonsensical.
It is extremely rare and will sound archaic or overly literary. Use 'reduce', 'restrain', or 'moderate' instead.
It was popularized by Shakespeare in 'The Merchant of Venice' (1596): "Shall I bend low and in a bondman's key, / With bated breath and whispering humbleness, / Say this..."
It is a participial adjective, derived from the past participle of the verb 'bate', modifying 'breath'.
to moderate, reduce, or restrain something, especially intensity, force, or emotion.
Bate is usually formal/literary (as standalone verb); common (in fixed phrase) in register.
Bate: in British English it is pronounced /beɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /beɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with bated breath”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bate' as a shortened form of 'abate' (to reduce). You wait with 'bated' (reduced, held) breath.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION/ANTICIPATION IS A FORCE THAT CAN BE RESTRAINED (bated breath).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct spelling of the idiom meaning 'in anxious anticipation'?