Vocabulary Spotlight
Bate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To lessen or diminish in force, intensity, or strength; to restrain.
“She tried to bate her excitement as the surprise approached.”
Pronunciation
[beyt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Lessen
Moderate
Diminish
Curb
Antonyms
Amplify
Expand
Intensify
Exacerbate
Related Words
Restrain
Moderation
Word Origin
The word “bate” originated from Middle English and traces back to Old French “batre,” meaning “to beat” or “to reduce.” The term evolved to describe the act of reducing or restraining force, aligning with its modern meaning.
Word Family
Adjective: Bated – Held back or restrained.
Related Noun: Abatement – The act of reducing or diminishing.
Mnemonics
Think of “Bate” as “De-Bate” – holding back or restraining one’s points or emotions during a discussion.
Industry-specific Usage
Legal
In legal contexts, abatement refers to reducing the severity or intensity of a condition, such as abatement of penalties or nuisances.
Environment
Environmental abatements involve reducing pollutants or hazards, often as part of conservation efforts.
Finance
In finance, “tax abatement” refers to a reduction in tax obligations as a form of relief or incentive.
In Context
In daily language, we often use “bate” in the phrase “with bated breath,” meaning to wait in suspense or restraint. The word’s connotation of holding back is also used in professional contexts to denote controlled reduction or abatement.