C1noun 2K

Bail

🇬🇧 UK /["/beɪl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/beɪl/"]/

Meaning of Bail

money that somebody agrees to pay if a person accused of a crime does not appear at their trial. When bail has been arranged, the accused person is allowed to go free until the trial.

In simple words: To leave quickly or to help someone leave jail by paying money.

Bail in a sentence

• The defendant was released on bail until the trial date.
• The judge set the bail amount at fifty thousand dollars.
• She had to bail out her friend from jail after he was arrested.
• He decided to bail from the party early because he was feeling tired.
• The company offered to bail out the struggling startup with a significant investment.

How to use Bail

Use 'bail' in a legal context when talking about releasing someone from jail. You might also use it informally to mean leaving a situation abruptly. Avoid using it in formal writing when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

bail + object

Memory hint

Think of 'bail' as 'to bail water out of a sinking boat' – you're helping someone escape.

Related words

Collocations with Bail

• conditional
• unconditional
• police
• apply for
• allow somebody
• give somebody
• application
• hearing
• bond
• on bail
• without bail
• an application for bail

Synonyms for Bail

• release
• bail out
• rescue
• free

Opposites of Bail

• detain
• hold
• imprison

Common mistakes with Bail

• Confused with 'bale' (a bundle of hay).
• Using 'bail' as a noun without proper context.
• Misunderstanding 'bail out' as just leaving.

Frequently asked questions about Bail

What does Bail mean?

To leave quickly or to help someone leave jail by paying money.

What is the definition of Bail?

money that somebody agrees to pay if a person accused of a crime does not appear at their trial. When bail has been arranged, the accused person is allowed to go free until the trial.

How do you use Bail in a sentence?

The defendant was released on bail until the trial date.

Can you give another example of Bail?

The judge set the bail amount at fifty thousand dollars.

What are synonyms for Bail?

Common alternatives include release, bail out, rescue, free.

What is the opposite of Bail?

Opposite meanings include detain, hold, imprison.

What words go with Bail?

It commonly pairs with conditional, unconditional, police, apply for, allow somebody, give somebody, application, hearing, bond, on bail, without bail, an application for bail.

What are common mistakes when using Bail?

Confused with 'bale' (a bundle of hay). Using 'bail' as a noun without proper context. Misunderstanding 'bail out' as just leaving.

How do you pronounce Bail?

US: /["/beɪl/"]/, UK: /["/beɪl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Bail?

Use 'bail' in a legal context when talking about releasing someone from jail. You might also use it informally to mean leaving a situation abruptly. Avoid using it in formal writing when discussing serious topics.

What CEFR level is Bail?

"Bail" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.