Baited vs. Bated – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is bated breath. “Bated” is an archaic form of the verb “to bate,” meaning to lessen or diminish. The idiom “bated breath” describes a state of intense suspense or anticipation, where one holds their breath. “Baited breath” is a common misspelling and incorrect in this context.
Bated or Baited Breath – Which is Correct?
When expressing a state of intense anticipation or suspense, the only correct phrase is “bated breath.” The confusion often arises because “baited” is a common word in modern English, referring to something that has been lured, provoked, or furnished with bait. However, in this specific idiom, “baited” is a phonetic error, a common typo rooted in how the words sound similar.
The word “bated” in “bated breath” comes from the obsolete verb “bate,” which means to reduce, diminish, or hold back. Thus, “bated breath” literally means “with breath held back” or “with diminished breath.” There is no such idiom as “baited breath”; using it would be grammatically incorrect and would not convey the intended meaning.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning (in context) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bated | Adjective (from verb “bate”) | Held back; diminished; lessened (only used in “bated breath”) | The audience waited with bated breath for the magician to reveal his trick. |
| Baited | Verb (past tense/past participle of “bait”) | Lured; entrapped; harassed; provided with bait | The fisherman baited his hook with a worm. (Incorrect for the idiom) |
How to Use Bated Breath
“Bated breath” is an idiom used to describe a state of intense suspense, excitement, or anxiety, where one holds their breath in anticipation of what is to come. It conveys a sense of eager waiting or nervous expectation. This phrase is typically used in slightly formal or literary contexts but is widely understood.
Example 1: The entire stadium watched with bated breath as the kicker lined up for the game-winning field goal.
Example 2: She listened with bated breath for the doctor to deliver the test results.
Example 3: The children gathered around the storyteller, hanging on every word with bated breath.
What are the different forms of Bated Breath?
The phrase “bated breath” is a fixed idiom, and its form does not change. “Bated” itself is an archaic past participle of the verb “to bate.” While “bate” once had various inflections (bates, bating), these are no longer in common use except for “bated” within this specific idiom. You will only encounter the phrase as “bated breath.”
Etymology of the word Bated
The word “bated” derives from the Old French word abattre, meaning “to beat down, humble, or diminish.” This evolved into the Middle English verb “bate,” meaning to lessen, reduce, or abate. The idiom “with bated breath” first appeared in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, where Shylock says, “With bated breath and whispering humbleness.” The meaning has remained consistent since the 16th century, referring to the act of holding one’s breath due to strong emotion.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “baited” and “bated” highlights the importance of understanding idioms. Idioms are fixed expressions where the meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the individual words. They must be learned as a whole. Changing even a single word in an idiom, such as replacing “bated” with “baited,” can render the phrase nonsensical or entirely alter its meaning, leading to miscommunication. “Bated breath” is a prime example of an idiom that relies on an archaic word whose specific meaning is preserved only within that particular phrase.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The crowd watched with bated breath as the gymnast performed her intricate routine, knowing any small slip could cost her the gold medal.” (Describing a tense moment in sports)
- “Every evening, the children would gather around the radio, listening with bated breath to the latest installment of their favorite adventure serial.” (Reflecting eager anticipation)
- “With bated breath, the detective slowly pushed open the creaking door, unsure of what horrors lay beyond.” (Conveying suspense in a mystery)
- “The kingdom waited with bated breath for the new monarch to be crowned, hoping for an era of peace and prosperity.” (Illustrating collective anticipation)
Bated Breath Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Suspenseful | Causing a state of anxious uncertainty or excitement. |
| Anticipatory | Feeling or showing expectation or prediction. |
| Eagerly | With keen desire or interest. |
| Nervously | In an anxious or agitated manner. |
| Breathlessly | In a manner suggesting shortness of breath, often from excitement or exertion. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “bated breath” a modern phrase?
No, “bated breath” is an archaic idiom that dates back to Shakespeare’s time, specifically appearing in The Merchant of Venice in the late 16th century. Its enduring use makes it a classic expression of suspense.
Question 2: Can “bated” be used outside of the phrase “bated breath”?
In contemporary English, “bated” is almost exclusively found within the idiom “bated breath.” The verb “to bate” itself is largely obsolete, though its related form “abate” (meaning to lessen or reduce) is still very much in use.
Question 3: Why do people often confuse “bated” and “baited”?
The confusion stems primarily from their similar pronunciation. “Baited” is a common, active word in modern English, referring to luring or trapping. Because “bated” is archaic and only used in one idiom, speakers often default to the more familiar-sounding “baited” when attempting to recall or use the phrase.
Conclusion
In the realm of language, precision is key. While “baited” is a perfectly valid word with its own distinct meanings, it has no place in the classic idiom “bated breath.” The correct phrase, “bated breath,” elegantly conveys a state of intense suspense or eager anticipation, drawing on an archaic verb that means to lessen or hold back. Remembering that “bated” refers to holding one’s breath, rather than luring it, will help you use this idiom correctly. Pro Tip: Using the accurate idiom not only enhances clarity but also reinforces your command of the English language, contributing to a professional and polished writing style.
