with bated breath

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English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

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.

Pronunciation[edit]

Prepositional phrase[edit]

with bated breath

  1. With reduced breath.
  2. (idiomatic) Eagerly; with great anticipation.
    We are waiting with bated breath for the release of the new version.

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