118 Another Word for Wait With Bated Breath? – Wait With Bated Breath Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say wait with bated breath differently? Here are other words for wait with bated breath and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of wait with bated breath

The primary meaning of the phrase "wait with bated breath" is to wait anxiously or suspensefully for something to happen.

Etymology of wait with bated breath

The phrase "wait with bated breath" has its origins in the 16th century, where "bated" is an archaic word that means "restrained" or "held back".
Historically, the phrase was used to describe the act of holding one's breath in anticipation or suspense, often in a state of excitement or fear.
Over time, the phrase has evolved to become a common idiom in modern English, used to describe a range of situations where one is waiting anxiously or suspensefully for something to happen.

Synonyms

anxiously await eagerly anticipate withhold breath hold one's breath be on tenterhooks be in suspense anticipate with bated breath expect with bated breath wait with anticipation look forward to await with expectation be on the edge of one's seat suspensefully wait nervously expect excitedly await patiently wait quietly anticipate silently wait breathlessly await intently wait attentively wait watch with bated breath observe with anticipation pause with expectation hesitate with suspense tremble with anticipation quiver with expectation be in a state of suspense hang in the balance wait on tenterhooks be on pins and needles.

Definitions

  • According to Oxford Languages, "wait with bated breath" is an idiom that means to wait anxiously or suspensefully for something to happen, often with a sense of excitement or anticipation.
  • This phrase is often used to describe a state of eager expectation, where one is holding their breath in anticipation of an event or outcome.

Usage Examples

  • The audience waited with bated breath as the winner of the award was announced.
  • We waited with bated breath for the news of the baby's birth.
  • The crowd waited with bated breath as the home team made their final play.
  • She waited with bated breath for the results of her exam.
  • The fans waited with bated breath for the release of the new movie.

Antonyms

calmly wait patiently wait quietly wait silently wait breathlessly ignore anxiously disregard eagerly dismiss suspensefully overlook anticipate with indifference expect with apathy wait with disinterest look forward to with reluctance await with boredom be on the edge of one's seat with disengagement suspensefully wait with distraction nervously expect with detachment excitedly await with nonchalance patiently wait with indifference quietly anticipate with unconcern.

Related Adjectives

anxious suspenseful eager excited nervous apprehensive fearful awestruck wonderous curious interesting engaging attentive focused concentrated tense dramatic climactic thrilling breathtaking electrifying riveting.

Related Nouns

suspense anticipation expectation excitement anxiety eagerness nervousness trepidation apprehension fear awe wonder curiosity interest engagement attention focus concentration tension drama climax turning point moment of truth.

Related Verbs

anticipate expect await wait watch observe pause hesitate tremble quiver hold one's breath withhold breath be in suspense hang in the balance wait on tenterhooks be on pins and needles look forward to eagerly await suspensefully wait nervously expect excitedly await patiently wait quietly anticipate.
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