Bated for Dummies

Alright, so "bated" is a word that's not used as much nowadays, but it's still pretty interesting. When someone says "bated breath," they mean that someone is holding their breath, either really excited or really nervous about something. It's like when you're waiting for something really important to happen, and you stop breathing for a second because you're so anxious. "Bated" is just a short way of saying "abated," which means to hold back or diminish something. So, when you put it all together, "bated" basically means holding back or pausing something, like when you're waiting with bated breath for the results of a test or a big game. It's like you're so focused on what's about to happen that you forget to breathe for a second, but in a good or a tough way, depending on the situation. So, the next time you hear "bated," just remember that it's all about holding your breath in a suspenseful or intense moment. Got it?