“With baited breath” or “with bated breath”: which is correct?
with bated breath
The short answer
The correct phrase is “with bated breath.” The word bated means reduced, lessened, or held back, reflecting the act of holding one’s breath in anticipation.
Spelling error
Why people get it wrong
This error occurs due to confusion between the word baited and the correct word “bated.” Since bated is archaic and rarely used outside this phrase, people often mistakenly use baited, which is more familiar.
Examples with with bated breath
- She waited with bated breath for the announcement.
- The audience sat in silence, with bated breath, as the results were revealed.
- He listened with bated breath to the outcome of the decision.
Quick check
She waited for the announcement.
The correct phrase is “with bated breath.” The word bated means reduced, lessened, or held back, reflecting the act of holding one’s breath in anticipation.
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