with bated breath

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adverb 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

This expression comes from the verb bate, which is more commonly seen in English in the form abate.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP, US) IPA: /wɪð ˈbeɪtɪd ˈbrɛθ/, SAMPA: /wID "beItId "brET/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adverb

with bated breath (not comparable)

1. (literally) "holding one's breath".
2. (idiomatic) Eagerly; with great anticipation.

   We are waiting with bated breath for the release of the new version.

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• Discussion of the phrase