What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bait
Example
He used worms as bait to catch fish. [bait: noun]
Example
The suspect was baited into confessing by the detective. [baited: past tense verb]
lure
Example
She used a colorful lure to catch a big fish. [lure: noun]
Example
The advertisement lured customers with its special discounts. [lured: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bait is more commonly used than lure in the context of fishing or hunting. Bait is a specific term used to describe substances used to attract fish or animals. However, lure can be used in a broader sense and is more versatile, as it can refer to attracting or tempting people as well.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bait and lure?
Both bait and lure can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bait is more commonly associated with informal or technical language used in fishing or hunting discussions, while lure can be used in a wider range of contexts and is generally considered more neutral in terms of formality.
