Reading Theme:
Bail: Meanings, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：leave suddenly (bail)
bail
/beɪl/
v., n.
to leave suddenly or to stop doing something, especially when you promised to stay.
leave suddenly
➕
/liːv ˈsʌdənli/
v., n.
To abruptly exit a situation or abandon a commitment, often causing disappointment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'bail' (delivery) and Latin 'bajulare' (to bear).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine bailing water from a boat to escape sinking - that's 'bailing out'.
📖 Example
She had to bail on the movie night because her cat got sick.
She had to bail on the movie night because her cat got sick.
🔗 Collocations
bail on someone – to abandon a person suddenly
bail out of a deal – to withdraw from an agreement
bail early – to leave before the scheduled end
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
bailout (n.) – an act of leaving or a financial rescue
📖 Cultural Story
Bail comes from Old French 'bailler' (to hand over). In medieval law, it meant transferring a prisoner to a surety. The informal 'bail on' emerged from the image of bailing out of a sinking boat.
Meaning 2：release money (bail)
bail
/beɪl/
v., n.
money paid to let someone leave jail temporarily before their trial, with a promise to return.
release money
➕
/rɪˈliːs ˈmʌni/
v., n.
A monetary deposit set by a court to secure a defendant's temporary release from custody, ensuring their return for trial.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The judge set a high bail to ensure the suspect would come back to court.
The judge set a high bail to ensure the suspect would come back to court.
🔗 Collocations
post bail – to provide the money for release
bail hearing – a court session to set bail
bail bondsman – a person who provides bail money
🔄 Synonyms
bond (n.) – a sum of money paid as bail
surety (n.) – a person who guarantees payment of bail
recognizance (n.) – a legal obligation to appear in court
🚫 Antonyms
detention (n.) – the state of being held in custody
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