Which should you use, baited or bated? The verb bait means to provoke, or to put bait on a hook or in a trap to entice fish or animals. The adjective baited means provoked or trapped. The adjective bated is used in the phrase with bated breath to mean very anxiously or excitedly.
| Incorrect: |
Each year Americans await the news with baited breath.
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| Correct: |
Each year Americans await the news with bated breath.
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| Incorrect: |
Is he the knight who bated you at the beginning of the tournament?
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| Correct: |
Is he the knight who baited you at the beginning of the tournament?
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