wait
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 5I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.
I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.
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.
Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!
Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!
Word Family
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
I wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.
everydayI wait for the bus every morning at 8 AM.
We kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.
formalWe kindly request that you wait in the reception area until the manager arrives.
Wait a sec, I forgot my phone!
informalWait a sec, I forgot my phone!
Researchers must wait for the chemical reaction to stabilize before recording data.
academicResearchers must wait for the chemical reaction to stabilize before recording data.
Please wait for my confirmation before finalizing the contract.
businessPlease wait for my confirmation before finalizing the contract.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
'Await' is more formal and is used without the preposition 'for'.
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
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 Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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