MEANING
An intensely expectant state, as if holding one’s breath while waiting.
Use it for
hushed anticipation; an outcome just about to be revealedMake expectancy seem to suspend ordinary breathing and speech.
Words that belong together
- wait with bated breath
- listen with bated breath
- watch with bated breath
On the page
They listened with bated breath for a reply from the tunnel.
With bated breath, she watched the surgeon unfold the report.
The audience waited with bated breath as the escapologist reached for the final lock.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- bated breath
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Usage notes
Primary category: fear. Normally with bated breath; can convey excitement as well as anxiety. Bated means reduced or restrained here, not baited. Normally used in the fixed expression with bated breath; breath remains singular.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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