bail
Bail is money you pay to the court to get out of jail while waiting for your trial.
Explanation at your level:
Bail is money. If you are in trouble with the police, you can pay money to go home. You must come back to the court later. If you come back, you get your money back.
When a person is arrested, they might stay in jail. Sometimes, a judge says they can pay bail. This is a sum of money. If they pay, they can wait at home until their trial. If they do not come to court, they lose the money.
Bail is a legal term used when someone is accused of a crime. It is a financial guarantee. The court holds this money to make sure the person returns for their trial. It is common to hear the phrase 'released on bail' in news stories about legal cases.
The system of bail is designed to ensure that defendants appear for their court dates without being held in custody unnecessarily. While it is a legal requirement, it is also a subject of debate because high bail amounts can be unfair to people with less money. It is a crucial concept in understanding the criminal justice system.
In legal discourse, bail serves as a mechanism to balance the presumption of innocence with the necessity of ensuring judicial attendance. The process involves a judge setting a monetary amount based on the severity of the crime and the risk of flight. Interestingly, the term has migrated into common parlance as a phrasal verb, 'to bail out,' which figuratively means to provide financial or situational assistance to someone in distress.
Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'delivery' or 'custody,' bail has evolved into a cornerstone of Anglo-American jurisprudence. It represents a delicate intersection between individual liberty and public safety. Beyond its literal legal application, the word has permeated cultural consciousness, often appearing in literature and film to signify a moment of desperation or a transactional escape from accountability. Understanding its nuance requires recognizing both its formal legal weight and its increasingly casual usage in modern English.
30초 단어
- Bail is money paid to the court.
- It ensures the accused returns for trial.
- It is a deposit, not a punishment.
- The phrase 'bail out' means to help someone.
When someone is arrested, they often have to wait a long time for their trial. Instead of staying in jail the whole time, the judge might allow them to pay bail.
Think of it as a security deposit. You give the court money to prove you are serious about showing up when it is time for your court date. If you show up, you get your money back! If you run away, the court keeps the cash.
It is a way to balance justice and freedom. Since someone is considered innocent until proven guilty, bail helps them keep their job and stay with their family while waiting for the legal process to finish.
The word bail comes from the Old French word baillier, which means 'to deliver' or 'to give.' It traces back even further to the Latin word bajulare, meaning 'to carry a burden.'
In medieval times, the concept was about 'delivering' a prisoner into the custody of a friend or relative who would act as a guarantor. This person was essentially 'carrying the burden' of ensuring the prisoner showed up.
Over centuries, this evolved from a personal promise into the financial system we see today. It is fascinating how a word about 'carrying' became a word about 'paying' to secure freedom.
In English, you usually post bail or pay bail. These are the most common ways to describe the act of giving the money to the court.
You might hear someone say, 'He was released on bail.' This is the standard way to describe the state of being free while waiting for a trial. If the amount is very high, people often say the judge set bail at a high amount.
The term is used in legal contexts, news reports, and casual conversation when discussing crime or court cases. It is a very specific term that is rarely used outside of the legal system.
Bail out: To rescue someone from a difficult situation. Example: My brother had to bail me out when I ran out of gas.
Jump bail: To fail to appear in court after paying bail. Example: The suspect decided to jump bail and fled the state.
Bail on someone: To cancel plans or leave someone suddenly. Example: Don't bail on me tonight; we have tickets!
Bail water: To scoop water out of a boat. Example: The boat was leaking, so we had to bail water to stay afloat.
Bail out of a situation: To quit or escape a bad circumstance. Example: I had to bail out of that boring meeting early.
As a noun, bail is generally uncountable when referring to the concept of money paid. You don't usually say 'a bail' or 'bails.'
The pronunciation is /beɪl/ in both American and British English. It rhymes with fail, jail, mail, pale, and sale.
The stress is always on the single syllable. It is a very simple word to pronounce, but make sure to emphasize the long 'a' sound clearly!
Fun Fact
The term once referred to the 'delivery' of a prisoner into the hands of a guardian.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'bale' of hay.
Sounds like 'bale' of hay.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'ball'
- Adding an 's' at the end
- Confusing the vowel sound with 'bell'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in news
Used in formal reports
Used in casual idioms
Common in TV shows
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Uncountable Nouns
Bail is uncountable.
Passive Voice
He was released on bail.
Noun Adjuncts
Bail money.
Examples by Level
He paid the bail.
He gave money to the court.
Past tense verb.
She is out on bail.
She is free now.
Prepositional phrase.
The bail is high.
The money is a lot.
Subject-verb agreement.
Can he pay bail?
Does he have enough money?
Interrogative sentence.
They set the bail.
The judge decided the price.
Simple past.
I need bail money.
Money for the court.
Noun adjunct.
Bail was returned.
He got his money back.
Passive voice.
The judge gave bail.
The judge allowed it.
Simple past.
The judge set the bail at five thousand dollars.
She was released on bail yesterday.
He could not afford to pay his bail.
The lawyer asked for a lower bail.
They are waiting to post bail.
The bail money was returned after the trial.
He is currently out on bail.
The court denied his request for bail.
The suspect was granted bail pending his trial.
Many people argue that the bail system is unfair to the poor.
He had to post bail before he could leave the station.
She was released on bail after her family paid the fee.
The judge decided to revoke his bail because he missed a date.
Bail is a common feature of the criminal justice system.
The amount of bail depends on the severity of the offense.
He was unable to raise the bail and remained in jail.
The defense attorney successfully argued for a reduction in bail.
Critics of the system claim that bail creates a two-tiered justice system.
After posting bail, he was required to surrender his passport.
The judge set a high bail to ensure the defendant would not flee.
She was released on bail on the condition that she stay in the city.
The concept of bail is rooted in the idea of the presumption of innocence.
He was held without bail due to the seriousness of the charges.
The bail bond agent helped them secure the necessary funds.
The debate over cash bail reform has become a major issue in local elections.
He was released on bail under strict house arrest conditions.
The magistrate set bail at a level that was prohibitively expensive for the defendant.
The bail hearing lasted for several hours as both sides presented evidence.
The court system is currently reviewing the constitutionality of the current bail structure.
Despite the high bail, his supporters raised the funds within hours.
The prosecutor argued that the defendant was a flight risk and should be denied bail.
The bail money acts as a powerful incentive for the accused to return to court.
The archaic practice of bail has undergone significant scrutiny in contemporary legal theory.
The judge's decision to grant bail was met with public outcry and media scrutiny.
By posting bail, the defendant effectively purchased his temporary liberty.
The bail bond industry remains a controversial yet integral part of the judicial process.
The defendant's inability to meet the bail requirement highlights systemic economic disparities.
Legal scholars often contrast the modern bail system with historical precedents.
The court's discretion in setting bail is a subject of constant judicial review.
His release on bail was contingent upon his compliance with electronic monitoring.
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"bail out"
to rescue from a problem
My dad had to bail me out of trouble.
casual"jump bail"
to flee to avoid trial
The police are looking for him because he jumped bail.
neutral"bail on someone"
to cancel plans
Don't bail on me at the last minute.
casual"bail water"
to remove water from a boat
We spent all day bailing water from the leaking raft.
neutral"bail someone out"
to pay for someone's release
She bailed her friend out of jail.
neutral"bail out of"
to leave a situation
I had to bail out of the project because I was too busy.
casualEasily Confused
same sound
bale is a bundle of hay
He moved a bale of hay.
similar vowel
ball is a round toy
He kicked the ball.
similar consonant
bill is a document for payment
He paid the electric bill.
similar sound
bell is a ringing instrument
The school bell rang.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + post + bail
He posted bail yesterday.
Subject + be + released on + bail
She was released on bail.
Subject + set + bail + at + amount
The judge set bail at $500.
Subject + jump + bail
He jumped bail and disappeared.
Subject + deny + someone + bail
The court denied him bail.
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
관련
How to Use It
7/10
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
Bail is an uncountable noun in this context.
Post bail is the standard legal collocation.
Bale refers to a bundle of hay or paper.
A fine is a punishment; bail is a security deposit.
Use it as a noun adjunct.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a courtroom with a giant scale; one side holds a bag of money (bail), the other side holds your freedom.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when talking about news or legal situations.
Cultural Insight
In the US, bail is a major part of the news cycle.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'post' or 'pay' before bail.
Say It Right
Keep it one syllable, rhyming with 'jail'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use 'bails' as a plural.
Did You Know?
The word is related to 'bailiff', the person who keeps order in court.
Study Smart
Learn it alongside 'jail' and 'trial' for better context.
Casual vs Formal
Use 'bail out' for friends, 'post bail' for the law.
Rhyme Time
If you can say 'jail', you can say 'bail'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Bail = Bring All In Later (the court wants you back).
Visual Association
A person holding a bag of money in one hand and a court summons in the other.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to use 'bail out' in a sentence today when you help a friend.
어원
Old French
Original meaning: to deliver or carry a burden
문화적 맥락
The bail system is a sensitive topic in US politics due to concerns about economic inequality.
Bail is a fundamental concept in the US and UK legal systems, frequently mentioned in crime dramas.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at court
- set bail
- post bail
- bail hearing
news reporting
- released on bail
- denied bail
- bail reform
casual conversation
- bail out
- bail on me
- need a bail
legal advice
- apply for bail
- bail conditions
- revoke bail
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever seen a bail hearing in a movie?"
"Do you think the bail system is fair?"
"What would you do if a friend asked you to bail them out?"
"Why do you think bail is important for the justice system?"
"Have you ever heard the term 'bail out' used in business?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to 'bail out' a friend from a difficult situation.
Explain why you think the bail system exists in modern society.
Describe the difference between a fine and bail.
If you were a judge, what would you consider before setting bail?
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문No, a fine is a punishment. Bail is a deposit to ensure you return.
Usually, yes, if you follow the court's rules.
Yes, anyone can pay for someone else's bail.
You lose the money and a warrant is issued for your arrest.
They are often used interchangeably, though a bond is technically a guarantee from a third party.
Yes, it can mean to scoop water out of a boat or to leave a situation.
No, it is treated as an uncountable noun in legal contexts.
It comes from Old French 'baillier' meaning to deliver.
셀프 테스트
He paid the ___ to get out of jail.
Bail is the money paid to the court.
What does it mean to 'post bail'?
Posting bail is the act of paying the required money.
If you show up for your trial, you usually get your bail money back.
Bail is a deposit, not a fine.
Word
뜻
These are common collocations.
Correct passive structure.
The judge decided to ___ his bail because he was a flight risk.
Revoke is the correct legal verb here.
Which word is an etymological relative of bail?
It comes from the French 'baillier' meaning to deliver.
Bail is a type of punishment.
Bail is a security deposit, not a punishment.
Word
뜻
Idiomatic usage.
Standard subject-verb structure.
점수: /10
Summary
Bail is a financial guarantee that ensures a person returns to court for their trial.
- Bail is money paid to the court.
- It ensures the accused returns for trial.
- It is a deposit, not a punishment.
- The phrase 'bail out' means to help someone.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a courtroom with a giant scale; one side holds a bag of money (bail), the other side holds your freedom.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when talking about news or legal situations.
Cultural Insight
In the US, bail is a major part of the news cycle.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'post' or 'pay' before bail.
예시
The family is trying to raise enough money to pay his bail.
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