Bated Breath

Pronunciation: /beɪtɪd brɛθ/

Definitions of bated breath

noun breath that is held or stopped due to fear, suspense, or excitement

Example Sentences

A1 She waited with bated breath for the results of her exam.

A2 The audience watched the magician's performance with bated breath.

B1 The team listened with bated breath as the coach announced the starting lineup.

B2 The courtroom was filled with bated breath as the verdict was read.

C1 The investors waited with bated breath for the CEO's decision on the merger.

C2 The entire nation held its breath with bated breath as the president addressed the crisis.

Examples of bated breath in a Sentence

formal The audience waited with bated breath for the results of the election.

informal We all watched the final play with bated breath, hoping for a win.

slang I was waiting with bated breath to see if I got the job.

figurative She listened to his proposal with bated breath, eager to hear his plans for the future.

Grammatical Forms of bated breath

• past tense: bated breath
• plural: bated breaths
• comparative: more bated
• superlative: most bated
• present tense: bates breath
• future tense: will bate breath
• perfect tense: have bated breath
• continuous tense: bating breath
• singular: bated breath
• positive degree: bated breath
• infinitive: to bate breath
• gerund: bating breath
• participle: bated breath

Origin and Evolution of bated breath

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'bated breath' originated from the word 'abate' meaning to lessen or diminish.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' in 1601, the phrase 'bated breath' has evolved to mean holding one's breath in anticipation or anxiety.