Awaiting: meaning, definitions and examples

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awaiting

 

[ əˈweɪtɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

action

expecting or waiting for something, typically with excitement and anticipation.

Synonyms

anticipating, expecting, hoping for, looking forward to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awaiting

Similar to 'awaiting,' it's generally synonymous but slightly less formal.

  • We're awaiting your reply
  • I am awaiting my test scores
expecting

Used when there is a strong belief that something will happen, often based on evidence or prior knowledge.

  • I am expecting a package today
  • She is expecting her first child
anticipating

Implies a forward-looking expectation, often with excitement or anxiety.

  • She was anticipating the results of her exam
  • We are all anticipating the upcoming holiday season
hoping for

Used when there is a desire for something to happen, often without certainty.

  • I am hoping for good weather this weekend
  • They were hoping for a miracle
looking forward to

Used when there is excitement or pleasure in thinking about a future event.

  • I am looking forward to our vacation
  • She is looking forward to meeting her new colleagues

Examples of usage

  • I am eagerly awaiting the results of the exam.
  • The audience was awaiting the arrival of the famous singer.
  • She sat by the phone, awaiting his call.
  • The children were eagerly awaiting Christmas morning.
  • We are still awaiting a response from the authorities.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

the action of waiting for something or someone.

Synonyms

anticipation, expectation, waiting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awaiting

Repeated word, context provided above.

  • See previous examples
waiting

Used in general situations where someone is spending time until something happens or someone arrives. Can be neutral, but occasionally carries a sense of impatience if the wait is long.

  • I am waiting for the bus
  • She was waiting in line for tickets
anticipation

Used when there is a sense of excitement or eagerness about a future event. It is often positive and emotional.

  • The children were filled with anticipation on Christmas Eve
  • There was great anticipation before the concert began
expectation

Used when there is a belief or assumption that something will happen or someone will do something. It can be neutral or imply a level of certainty.

  • There is an expectation that students will complete their homework on time
  • The team's performance exceeded all expectations

Examples of usage

  • The awaiting of the guests was prolonged due to traffic.
  • The awaiting of the result was filled with tension.
  • The awaiting of the announcement created suspense.

Translations

Translations of the word "awaiting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aguardando

🇮🇳 प्रतीक्षा कर रहा है

🇩🇪 wartend

🇮🇩 menunggu

🇺🇦 очікування

🇵🇱 oczekiwanie

🇯🇵 待機中

🇫🇷 en attente

🇪🇸 esperando

🇹🇷 bekleyen

🇰🇷 기다리는 중

🇸🇦 في انتظار

🇨🇿 čekající

🇸🇰 čakajúci

🇨🇳 等待中

🇸🇮 čakajoč

🇮🇸 bíður

🇰🇿 күтіп отырған

🇬🇪 მოლოდინში

🇦🇿 gözləyir

🇲🇽 esperando

Etymology

The word 'awaiting' originated from the Old French word 'awaitier' which means 'to lie in wait for'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage to signify the action of expecting or waiting for something.

See also: awaited.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,481 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.