Wait: meaning, definitions and examples

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wait

 

[ weɪt ]

Context #1 | Verb

in a conversation

Stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens.

Synonyms

await, delay, linger, pause.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wait

Used in everyday situations where one needs to stay somewhere or do nothing until something happens. It is the most general term.

  • She had to wait for the bus
  • Please wait here for a few minutes
await

Used in more formal contexts, often implying an expectation. It is commonly followed by an event or a result.

  • They eagerly await the results of the test
  • He awaited her arrival
linger

Used when someone stays in a place longer than necessary, often because they are reluctant to leave. It may imply a certain hesitance or reluctance.

  • She lingered at the coffee shop, lost in thought
  • He lingered after the meeting to discuss some issues
delay

Used when there is an intentional or unavoidable postponement of an event or action. Often has a negative connotation, implying inconvenience.

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather
  • There was a delay in the delivery of the package
pause

Used when there is a temporary stop or break in an activity or conversation. It implies a short, intentional halt.

  • He paused the video to get a snack
  • She paused before answering the question

Examples of usage

  • Sorry to keep you waiting
  • I'll wait for you at the cafe

Translations

Translations of the word "wait" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esperar

🇮🇳 इंतज़ार करना

🇩🇪 warten

🇮🇩 menunggu

🇺🇦 чекати

🇵🇱 czekać

🇯🇵 待つ (matsu)

🇫🇷 attendre

🇪🇸 esperar

🇹🇷 beklemek

🇰🇷 기다리다 (gidalida)

🇸🇦 انتظار (intidār)

🇨🇿 čekat

🇸🇰 čakať

🇨🇳 等待 (děngdài)

🇸🇮 čakati

🇮🇸 bíða

🇰🇿 күту

🇬🇪 ელოდება (elodeba)

🇦🇿 gözləmək

🇲🇽 esperar

Etymology

The word 'wait' originated from the Old North French word 'waite', meaning 'watchman, sentinel'. Over time, it evolved to signify staying in one place or delaying action. Waiting has been a common human experience throughout history, often associated with patience and anticipation.

See also: await, waiter, waiting, waitress, waitstaff.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,089, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.