Waiting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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waiting
[ˈweɪtɪŋ ]
Definitions
time
The act of staying in one place or remaining inactive in expectation of something.
Synonyms
anticipation, expectation, pause.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| waiting |
Used in casual or everyday situations where someone is staying in one place until something happens.
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| anticipation |
Describes a feeling of excitement or nervousness about something that is going to happen in the future. Often used in more formal or emotional contexts.
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| expectation |
Used when talking about what someone thinks will happen in the future, often involving a sense of hope or belief. Can be used in both everyday and formal situations.
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| pause |
Refers to a temporary stop in an activity or conversation. Often used in contexts involving speech or actions.
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Examples of usage
- She grew tired of waiting for him to call.
- The waiting seemed endless as they sat in the doctor's office.
restaurant
The area in a restaurant where customers are seated before being served.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| waiting |
Though identical to the first entry, you might be referring to another aspect. If mistakenly inputted, no additional context differs from above examples. |
| reception |
This term is typically used in settings like offices, hotels, and other businesses. It refers to the area where visitors check in, get information, or wait to be attended to.
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| lounge |
This word is often used to refer to a comfortable place where people can sit and relax while waiting. It is commonly found in airports, hotels, and other places where people may spend a significant amount of time waiting.
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Examples of usage
- They were led to a table in the cozy waiting area.
- The waiting area was filled with the aroma of delicious food.
expectation
Stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| waiting |
Commonly used in casual situations where a person stays in one place until something else happens, often in queues or appointments.
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| anticipate |
Used when looking forward to something that is expected to happen in the future with excitement or anxiety. It often implies preparation or prediction.
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| expect |
Used when there is a strong belief or assumption that something will happen or someone will do something. It often implies a sense of responsibility or obligation.
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| await |
Used in more formal contexts and implies that the wait is purposeful and the outcome is certain. It is often used for events, results, and responses.
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Examples of usage
- She is waiting for her friends to arrive before starting the party.
- The passengers waited patiently for the train to arrive.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that people often find waiting to be stressful because they dislike uncertainty about how long it will take.
- How we deal with waiting can affect our mood; people who practice patience tend to feel more positive overall.
- In studies, waiting for rewards can lead to greater satisfaction than receiving immediate rewards, showing the value of patience.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, waiting is seen as a virtue, reflecting patience and respect for the process of life.
- Different cultures have varied norms for waiting; for instance, punctuality is highly valued in some places while being fashionably late is accepted in others.
- Social cues about waiting can differ; in Japan, people usually keep quiet while waiting, while in many Western cultures, small talk is common.
Literature
- In many stories, the act of waiting symbolizes hope, such as in the wait for a loved one to return or for the dawn of a new day.
- Some famous literary characters embody the theme of waiting, capturing the full range of human emotion tied to anticipation.
- The act of waiting can often reflect larger themes, such as time and its passage, as seen in various poetic works.
Science
- In botanical terms, some plants go through a phase of waiting, known as dormancy, where they pause growth to survive tough conditions.
- The concept of waiting applies to physics as well; particles can 'wait' in a certain state until a reaction occurs, leading to a change.
- In ecology, many species have evolved to wait out tough seasons, adapting their behavior and physiology for survival.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'Waiting on the World to Change' highlight themes of hope and the anticipation of change, resonating with many listeners.
- The sentiment of waiting is often dramatized in movies, where characters have to wait for crucial moments before taking action.
- Waiting has become a common theme in various TV shows, where characters face dilemmas that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Origin of 'waiting'
The word 'waiting' originated from the Middle English word 'waiten', which means to watch, observe, or guard. Over time, it evolved to signify staying in one place or delaying action. Waiting is a universal experience that is part of human nature, as we all encounter moments of anticipation and expectation throughout our lives. Whether waiting for a loved one, waiting for an event to happen, or waiting for a decision to be made, the concept of waiting is deeply ingrained in our daily lives.
Word Frequency Rank
This word ranks #1,836, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.
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- 1833 constructed
- 1834 background
- 1835 informed
- 1836 waiting
- 1837 apart
- 1838 stories
- 1839 steam
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