A1 verb Neutral #157 most common

wait

/weɪt/

To stay in a place or delay an action until a specific time or event occurs. It describes the state of being ready for someone to arrive or for something to happen.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.

I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.

2

We kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.

We kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.

3

Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!

Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!

Word Family

Noun
wait
Verb
wait
Adjective
waiting
Related
waiter
💡

Memory Tip

Think of standing at a gate while you wait.

Quick Quiz

I have to ____ for my friend at the park.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wait

Examples

1

I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.

everyday

I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.

2

We kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.

formal

We kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.

3

Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!

informal

Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!

4

Researchers must wait for the chemical reaction to stabilize before recording data.

academic

Researchers must wait for the chemical reaction to stabilize before recording data.

5

Please wait for my confirmation before finalizing the contract.

business

Please wait for my confirmation before finalizing the contract.

Word Family

Noun
wait
Verb
wait
Adjective
waiting
Related
waiter

Common Collocations

wait for to expect someone or something
wait in line to stand in a queue
wait patiently to wait without getting angry
wait a minute to stop for a short time
wait long to wait for a great amount of time

Common Phrases

wait and see

be patient and find out what happens later

can't wait

to be very excited about something

wait your turn

be patient until it is your time to act

Often Confused With

wait vs await

'Await' is more formal and is used without the preposition 'for'.

wait vs weight

This word sounds the same but refers to how heavy something is.

📝

Usage Notes

The verb 'wait' is almost always followed by the preposition 'for' when mentioning the person or thing you are expecting.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the preposition 'for' and say 'I'm waiting the train' instead of 'I'm waiting for the train'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of standing at a gate while you wait.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old Northern French word 'waitier', meaning to watch or keep guard.

Grammar Patterns

wait + for + object wait + to + infinitive wait + adverb
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, waiting in an orderly line (queueing) is considered a very important social norm.

Quick Quiz

I have to ____ for my friend at the park.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wait

Related Words

exarchness

C1

The state or quality of being an exarch, specifically referring to the authoritative status or regional jurisdiction of a deputy ruler or high-ranking ecclesiastical official. It describes the inherent power and dignity associated with governing a province or diocese on behalf of a higher sovereign.

perihumer

C1

A technical term referring to the anatomical region or specific tissue structures immediately surrounding the humerus bone in the upper arm. It is primarily used in orthopedic medicine and physical therapy to describe areas of concern during surgery, injury assessment, or prosthetic fitting.

microfluship

C1

A precise, automated release of a minimal amount of fluid or data used to clear a micro-system or reset high-sensitivity sensors. It is typically employed in microfluidic engineering and advanced computing to prevent sediment buildup or signal noise.

antiponness

C1

The quality or state of being opposed to or averse to hard labor, toil, or physical exertion. It describes a deep-seated resistance to performing arduous tasks, often found in philosophical or psychological discussions about the nature of work.

forenumerary

C1

Describes something that pertains to an initial or preliminary counting or listing that occurs before the main enumeration. It is typically used in administrative, historical, or technical contexts to refer to items or individuals recorded ahead of a final official tally.

detangite

C1

To separate components, strands, or ideas that have become intricately intertwined or knotted. It is most frequently used in formal or technical contexts to describe the process of unravelling a complex situation, data set, or physical structure.

unitangine

C1

Describing a process or system that operates through a single point of contact or a singular, unbranching focus. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote a direct and isolated interaction between two entities.

enjectment

C1

Ejectment is a legal action or remedy brought by a person who claims title to real property to recover possession of that property. It is primarily used to remove a tenant or squatter who is wrongfully occupying the land and to settle disputes regarding the rightful owner's title.

invertite

C1

Describing something that has been reversed in position, order, or nature, or turned upside down. It is a highly specialized or archaic term used primarily in technical, historical, or biological contexts to denote a state of inversion.

malteghood

C1

Describing a state marked by deep-seated communal loyalty and historical resilience. It refers to qualities or behaviors that prioritize the preservation of a group's collective identity and shared fortitude above individual interests.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free