“Bated Breath” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Bated breath” is an idiomatic expression used widely today. If you’re curious about how to use this expression or want to know other ways to communicate the same idea, this reference will provide all the necessary details. This reference will cover the meaning of the phrase, examples of how it’s used in everyday conversations, and other ways to say it using literal expressions.

Bated Breath Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Bated breath” is an idiomatic expression that means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something, often in suspense. It suggests that someone is holding their breath in anticipation of an outcome or event.
"Bated Breath" Meaning
“Bated Breath” Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Bated Breath Meaning

The phrase “bated breath” refers to the act of holding your breath because you feel suspense or fear. When someone says they are waiting with bated breath, it means they are eagerly or anxiously anticipating something. The term “bated” comes from the older word “abated,” which implies a reduction in intensity or force. In this context, it means reducing or holding back your natural breathing due to the emotion of the moment.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase “bated breath” originally appeared in 1596 in a play titled The Merchant of Venice written by Shakespeare. The phrase grew in popularity and remains widely used today.

Usage of “Bated Breath”

  1. Waiting for an important outcome:
    • “The audience waited with bated breath as the final contestant took the stage.”
  2. In a tense or suspenseful situation:
    • “We listened with bated breath for news from the rescue team.”
  3. Anticipating exciting news:
    • “She opened the letter with bated breath, hoping for good news from the university.”

In all these examples, “bated breath” emphasizes the feeling of anticipation or suspense.

Related Terms to “Bated Breath”

You may come across terms related to “bated breath” that help expand your knowledge of expressions involving anticipation or suspense.

  • Anticipation: This is the feeling of eagerly waiting for something to happen. It’s often linked with excitement or nervousness.
  • Suspense: This describes a state of uncertainty or excitement about what may happen next. You experience suspense when you are unsure of how events will unfold.
  • Expectancy: Similar to anticipation, expectancy is the hope or belief that something will happen. It’s tied to the idea of looking forward to future events.
  • Eagerly Awaiting: This phrase captures the intense desire and impatience for an event. It shows the enthusiasm and excitement for what is to come.

Other Was to Say “Bated Breath”

Like most idioms, there are literal ways to convey the same meaning of the phrase “bated breath.” For instance, you could say: I have been holding my breath in anticipation, I am excited or I have been greatly anticipating this moment.

List of “Bated Breath” synonyms:

  • Fear
  • Distress
  • Anxiety
  • Anxious
  • Holding our breath
  • Excited
  • Great anticipation

“Bated Breath” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement in the local paper.

  • “The crowd stood outside the courthouse waiting with bated breath for the verdict that the judge was about to deliver just inside the doors.”

A statement made describing the new ride at the town fair.

  • “We all waited with bated breath as the ride began to lurch forward and then suddenly launched us way into the air.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends the day after Halloween.

  • Friend 1: So, what did you do last night for Halloween Helen?
  • Friend 2: Oh, my dad and I went to a haunted house.
  • Friend 1: That sounds like fun! Was it a good one?
  • Friend 2: It was awesome! I was waiting in line with bated breath before we even entered because they were chasing people outside.

A conversation between a mother and daughter.

  • Mom: Are you ready for the prom tonight?
  • Daughter: I am a bit nervous, but I know it will be a blast.
  • Mom: It is sure to be a very special night!
  • Daughter: I hope so. I have been waiting with bated breath for it all week.

Other examples:

  • He waited for a reply to his offer with bated breath.
  • We waited with bated breath for the winner to be announced.
  • His speech was so astounding that the audience listened to him with bated breath.
  • Every Monday, the whole office used to wait with bated breath for his report.
  • The soldiers’ families waited with bated breath for news.
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