Meanings
From the verb bate, alteration by aphesis of the verb abate (“to reduce; lessen”). Coined by William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, see quotations.
How to pronounce "with bated breath":
US
AU
With reduced breath.
Eagerly; with great anticipation.
Example: "We are waiting with bated breath for the release of the new version."
Example Sentences
1
I waited for the test results with bated breath.
2
The crowd watched with bated breath as the soccer ball neared the goal.
3
She listened to his explanation with bated breath, hoping for an apology.
4
The audience sat in silence, waiting with bated breath for the performance to begin.
5
We watched the thrilling movie with bated breath, unsure of what would happen next.
