bates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Archaic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “bates” mean?
As a verb: to lessen, reduce, or restrain (something, especially intensity, force, or enthusiasm). A very rare and dated term.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
As a verb: to lessen, reduce, or restrain (something, especially intensity, force, or enthusiasm). A very rare and dated term.
Used primarily in the archaic idiom "with bated breath" (holding one's breath in anticipation). As a surname (Bates). The word is not used as an adjective or adverb in contemporary English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the term is equally archaic in both dialects. The idiom "with bated breath" is recognized in both.
Connotations
Connotes a highly literary, Shakespearean, or old-fashioned style when used.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in both dialects. The surname Bates is common, but the verb is not.
Grammar
How to Use “bates” in a Sentence
[Subject] bates [Object] (archaic)with bated breath (idiomatic adverbial phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bates” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One hopes the winter chill bates soon. (archaic)
- He never bates his relentless criticism. (archaic)
American English
- If his enthusiasm bates, the project will stall. (archaic)
- The storm bates not. (archaic)
adverb
British English
- No contemporary adverb form exists.
American English
- No contemporary adverb form exists.
adjective
British English
- No contemporary adjective form exists.
American English
- No contemporary adjective form exists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Might appear in literary analysis discussing Shakespeare or older texts.
Everyday
Only in the fixed idiom "with bated breath," which itself is somewhat literary.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bates”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bates”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bates”
- Misspelling "bated breath" as "baited breath."
- Attempting to use "bates" as a contemporary active verb (e.g., "He bates his anger").
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and archaic. Its only common survival is in the idiom 'with bated breath.'
'Bated' comes from the verb 'bate' (to lessen). 'Baited' comes from 'bait' (to harass or put food on a hook). 'With bated breath' is the correct idiom.
Only if you are intentionally aiming for an archaic, literary, or humorous style. In contemporary English, use synonyms like 'lessens' or 'reduces,' or simply use the idiom 'with bated breath.'
It comes from the Middle English verb 'baten,' meaning to reduce the force of, which is a shortened form of 'abate.' The phrase was famously used by Shakespeare in 'The Merchant of Venice.'
As a verb: to lessen, reduce, or restrain (something, especially intensity, force, or enthusiasm). A very rare and dated term.
Bates is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Bates: in British English it is pronounced /beɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /beɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with bated breath (in anxious anticipation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "bated" in 'bated breath' as related to 'abated' (meaning reduced) but with the 'a-' missing, as if you're so tense you've lost your 'a' (and your breath).
Conceptual Metaphor
ANTICIPATION/ANXIETY IS HOLDING ONE'S BREATH (as in "with bated breath").
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct spelling of the idiomatic phrase meaning 'in anxious anticipation'?