What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bait
Example
The fisherman used worms as bait to attract the fish. [bait: noun]
Example
She baited the trap with cheese to catch the mice. [baited: past tense verb]
decoy
Example
The hunter set up a decoy duck to attract other ducks. [decoy: noun]
Example
The spy used herself as a decoy to distract the guards. [decoy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bait is more commonly used than decoy in everyday language. Bait is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, including hunting, fishing, and manipulative situations. On the other hand, decoy is less common and is primarily used in hunting, warfare, or deceptive scenarios.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bait and decoy?
While bait is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, decoy is more specific and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
