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“Bail” or “Bale”

Overview

bail / bale are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

bail: (noun) (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial. (noun) the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial). (verb) release after a security has been paid. (verb) deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period. (verb) secure the release of (someone) by providing security. (verb) empty (a vessel) by bailing. (verb) remove (water) from a vessel with a container.

bale: (noun) a large bundle bound for storage or transport. (verb) make into a bale.

Pronunciation

bail: b·EY·l

bale: b·EY·l

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Examples in Context

Examples of “bail”

  • was released on a $1000 bail on 9/13.
  • Once out of jail on bail, they followed their attorney's advice
  • about his work in capturing bail fugitives, in particular Chapman's efforts
  • work with Chapman at Da'Kine Bail Bonds, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and
  • of Estai posted a $500,000 bail and returned to Spain.
  • star, bounty hunter and former bail bondsman.
  • the country while out on bail in 2003, the Mexican Government
  • three men were released on bail ($300,000 for Duane Chapman, $100,000
  • Restrictive bail conditions
  • Saudi Arabia had previously posted bail for Alayed on minor charges,

Examples of “bale”

  • Bale was relatively unknown when cast.
  • Bale felt the previous films underused
  • group, Brightlingsea Against Live Exports (BALE), and began arriving to demonstrate
  • starred alongside a young Christian Bale in this film.
  • invention of the round hay baler revolutionized the laborious task of
  • date, plus the existence of BALE... and fliers distributed on its
  • Director Nolan said of Bale, "He has exactly the balance
  • the media: "As of tonight BALE will not exist although the
  • Former BALE organiser Carol Appleby said that
  • Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne / Batman:A


(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)


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