wait
wait
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "wait" is /weɪt/.
/weɪt/
Word Form Variations
Verb: wait (base form), waits (third person singular present), waiting (present participle), waited (past simple, past participle)
Noun: wait (singular), waits (plural)
Adjective: waiting (present participle used adjectivally, e.g., "waiting room")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To stay in a place or remain in a state of readiness until an expected event happens or until someone arrives.
Synonyms: linger, tarry, hold on, delay, bide
Antonyms: leave, depart, rush, proceed, hurry
Definition 2: To put off an action or decision until a later time or opportunity.
Synonyms: delay, postpone, defer, put off, hold off
Antonyms: act, proceed, hasten, rush, expedite
Definition 3: To serve (someone) with food or drink at a meal. (Often "wait on" or "wait at table")
Synonyms: serve, attend, minister to, assist
Antonyms: ignore, neglect, disregard, be served (opposite role)
Definition 4: (Of something unwelcome) To be reserved or remain for (someone).
Example usage: "Trouble waits for them."
Synonyms: await, lie in store for, be in store for, impend
Antonyms: avoid, escape, bypass, pass over
Noun
Definition 1: A period of waiting.
Synonyms: delay, pause, halt, lull, interval, standstill
Antonyms: rush, haste, immediacy, continuity
Definition 2: (Often plural "waits," archaic) A musical band of watchmen or musicians who play in the streets, especially at night or around Christmas.
Synonyms: musicians, carollers, band (in specific context)
Antonyms: silence, individual performer
Definition 3: (Figurative, informal) The act of serving at a meal or in a restaurant.
Synonyms: service, attendance, waiting (as a profession)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to an action)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He resolved to wait patiently for her return, no matter how long it took." (Fictional example from a romantic novel or drama)
"The book describes how early humans learned to wait for prey, honing their hunting skills through patience." (From a non-fiction book on anthropology or survival)
"Don't wait for inspiration; it comes while you are working." (Often attributed to Jack London)
Newspapers:
"The Central Bank of Kenya announced it would wait for more economic data before making further interest rate decisions." (Business Daily Africa)
"Long queues continued at voter registration centers as citizens had to wait for hours to be served." (Daily Nation)
"Doctors warn that patients should not wait too long to seek medical attention for persistent symptoms." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"How to make sure your website doesn't make users wait too long: Tips for faster loading times." (An article on a web development blog, e.g., Google Developers)
"The best strategies to teach your dog to 'sit' and 'stay': Patience is key when training them to wait." (An article on a pet training website, e.g., AKC.org)
"Why you should never wait until the last minute to book your vacation flights." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., Lonely Planet Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I have been and always will be your friend." (Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1982) - This implies a willingness to "wait" for someone.
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must wait patiently in this isolated cabin for 48 hours without any contact." (Instructions on a reality survival show, e.g., Alone)
Song Lyrics: "I can't wait until I'm twenty-four, and I'm still living on my own." (From a pop song about anticipating the future)
Video Games: "You must wait for the enemy patrol to pass before advancing to the next area." (In-game instruction or tactical advice, e.g., Metal Gear Solid)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore the psychological effects of having to wait for extended periods, from queues to medical results." (A podcast on psychology or human behavior, e.g., Hidden Brain)
General Public Discourse:
"Please wait here; I'll be right back." (A common instruction)
"I can't wait for the weekend!" (Expressing eagerness)
"We had to wait for over an hour at the bank." (A common complaint)
"Don't wait for me; just go ahead." (A common instruction to others)
"Can you wait on the customer at Table 5?" (A request to a server in a restaurant)
"Let's wait and see what happens." (A common phrase advising patience)
"How long is the wait for a matatu to town?" (A common question in Nairobi)
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." (Often implies not to "wait" too long)
"The wait was worth it when I saw the beautiful sunset." (Describing a positive outcome after patience)
10 Quotes Using Wait
"Don't wait for inspiration. It comes while you're working." (Pascal)
"Good things come to those who wait." (Common proverb, widely known)
"I can't wait." (Common expression of eagerness, widely used in various contexts)
"They also serve who only stand and wait." (John Milton, "When I Consider How My Light is Spent," 1655)
"Why wait for others to create the future when you can create it yourself?" (Lesser-known, but common motivational sentiment)
"He who hesitates is lost." (Common proverb, widely known) - This implicitly refers to the danger of choosing to wait.
"Never wait for a perfect moment, just take the moment and make it perfect." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote)
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." (John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)," 1980) - This suggests not to wait too long to live.
"Don't knock it till you try it!" (Common idiom, widely used) - This encourages immediate action over choosing to wait to experience something.
"The doctor told me I need to wait patiently for the test results." (Original quote, common relatable scenario)
Etymology
The word "wait" has a clear origin from Germanic roots, through French.
It comes from the Old French verb waitier or gaitier.
This Old French word meant "to watch," "to look out," or "to be on guard." It implied being attentive and vigilant.
Gaitier itself is believed to come from a Germanic root (related to words like "watch" or "guard").
So, the literal meaning embedded in the word is "to watch" or "to be on watch."
When "wait" first entered the English language, in the late 12th century (around 1175), its initial meaning was "to lie in ambush for; to watch for with hostile intent." It had a somewhat negative or active connotation of watching for something or someone to arrive, possibly to intercept them.
Over time, this meaning softened. By the early 13th century, it broadened to the more general and neutral sense of "to remain in expectation (of someone or something); to stay in place until something happens." The sense of "serving at table" (as in "waiter") also developed from the idea of "attending" or "watching over" someone.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Wait
Wait and see: To delay action or judgment until something happens or becomes clear.
Wait for it: Used to build suspense before revealing something.
Wait up!: Used to tell someone to stop or slow down so one can catch up; also, to stay awake for someone.
To wait on (someone): To serve someone, especially food or drink.
To wait on hand and foot: To serve someone completely and devotedly.
To wait in the wings: To be ready and prepared to take action when needed.
Waiting game: A situation in which one waits patiently for an opportunity or for an outcome.
To lie in wait: To hide and wait to ambush someone.
Wait your turn: To be patient and allow others to go first in a sequence.
To hold one's breath: To wait anxiously or in suspense. (Synonymous with "waiting tensely").
To bide one's time: To wait patiently for a suitable opportunity. (Synonym for "to wait for the right moment").
The calm before the storm: A period of unusual quiet preceding a period of activity or trouble. (Often involves a tense "wait").
To count the minutes: To wait impatiently for something. (Synonymous with "waiting eagerly").
A long haul: A difficult or lengthy undertaking. (Often involves a long "wait").
To hang fire: To delay action or progress. (Synonymous with "to wait").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of wait from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
