bated

American  

[bey-tid] / ˈbeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. moderated or restrained.

   Their solemn faces, their fidgeting, and the bated whispers in which they spoke all told of nerves strained to the breaking point.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bate.

idioms

1. with bated breath, with breath drawn in or held because of anticipation or suspense.

   We watched with bated breath as the runners approached the finish line.

Etymology

Origin of bated

First recorded in 1590–1600; bate ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective; bate ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb

Related Words

• delicate
• dim
• distant
• dull
• far-off
• gentle
• hazy
• inaudible
• mild
• muffled
• muted
• remote
• slight
• soft
• soothing
• stifled
• vague
• weak