Pronunciation: [bˈʌntɪd] (IPA) 
The word "bunted" is spelled as /bʌntɪd/. The "bun" sound is pronounced as "bʌn" and the "ted" sound is pronounced as "tɪd". This word is often used in baseball when a batter lightly taps the ball with the bat, causing it to barely roll a short distance. The spelling of this word is important, as it differentiates it from other similar words, such as "bent" or "blunted", which have slightly different meanings.
The term "bunted" is primarily used as the past tense and past participle form of the verb "bunt." Bunting is a technique utilized in various sports, such as baseball or softball, where the batter lightly taps, instead of swinging at, the ball. As such, "bunted" refers to the action of executing a bunt.
In the context of baseball or softball, when a player bunts, they intentionally and skillfully direct the ball towards a specific area of the field, usually aiming for the infield. The objective of a bunt is typically to advance a teammate from one base to another, or in some cases, to surprise the opposing team's defense.
The term "bunted" can also extend its meaning beyond sports to describe similar actions or gestures, although primarily to emphasize the light and gentle nature of contact or touch. It may be used to describe pressing or tapping something softly, without applying force or causing a strong impact.
Overall, "bunted" is a verb that signifies the act of executing a bunt in sports, particularly baseball or softball, where the batter lightly taps the ball to gain an advantage. Beyond sports, the term can convey a gentle or delicate action or touch in various situations.
The word "bunted" is derived from the verb "bunt", which originated in the 19th century.
"Bunt" originally comes from the Middle English word "bounten" or "bunten", which meant to push or butt. It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "bauta", meaning to strike or beat.
In the context of baseball, "bunt" refers to a specific technique of lightly tapping the ball with the bat to direct it intentionally in a specific direction, typically toward the infield. The word "bunted" is the past tense and past participle form of this verb.
