How Do You Spell BATED BREATH?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪtɪd bɹˈɛθ] (IPA)

The phrase "bated breath" may be confusing to spell, but its pronunciation is straightforward. Bated is actually an abbreviation of abated, and is pronounced [ˈbeɪ.tɪd]. The -ed ending is pronounced as a separate syllable, and the stress is on the first syllable. Breath is pronounced [breθ], with the th sound representing the unvoiced dental fricative. Together, bated breath means to hold one's breath in anticipation, and is often used in literature and conversation.

BATED BREATH Meaning and Definition

1. Bated breath is a phrase used to describe a state of intense anticipation or suspense, where an individual holds their breath momentarily due to excitement, fear, or expectation. The word "bated" is the shortened form of "abated," which means to reduce or hold back something. In this context, "bated" is used to indicate a state of breathlessness or the temporary suspension of breath caused by intense anticipation.

   The phrase "bated breath" is often used metaphorically, as it conveys a sense of eagerly awaiting the outcome of a situation. It implies a heightened level of tension or excitement where an individual is on the edge, eagerly awaiting news, results, or the resolution of an event. It captures the feeling of temporarily holding one's breath due to great anticipation or suspense.

   The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the 16th century, where it first appeared in William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." The character Portia speaks of a courtroom scene, saying "with bated breath and whispering humbleness." Since then, the phrase has become a commonly used idiom in the English language to describe a state of nervous excitement or anticipation.

   In summary, "bated breath" refers to the temporary suspension or holding back of breath caused by intense anticipation or suspense. It emphasizes the heightened emotional state of someone eagerly awaiting an outcome or result.

Common Misspellings for BATED BREATH

• vated breath
• nated breath
• hated breath
• gated breath
• bzted breath
• bsted breath
• bwted breath
• bqted breath
• bared breath
• bafed breath
• baged breath
• bayed breath
• ba6ed breath
• ba5ed breath
• batwd breath
• batsd breath
• batdd breath
• batrd breath
• bat4d breath
• bat3d breath

Etymology of BATED BREATH

The phrase "bated breath" comes from an archaic English verb "bate", which means to reduce, restrain, or diminish. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "abate", ultimately derived from the Old French word "abattre", meaning to beat down or lower. In "bated breath", the term "bated" is an abbreviation of "abated", meaning breath that is held, restrained, or interrupted in anticipation or apprehension.

Idioms with the word BATED BREATH

• with bated breath The phrase "with bated breath" means to be in a state of suspense or anticipation, eagerly waiting for something to happen.
• bated breath "Bated breath" means to be in a state of anxious anticipation or excitement, usually while waiting for something to happen.