wait (A1)

verb

Pronunciation: /weɪt/

Definition

To stay in one place or delay taking action until a particular time or event occurs.

Examples

• You'll have to wait for the bus.

• We waited for three hours at the airport.

• I'm waiting for my friend to arrive.

How to Use wait

wait for (prepositional phrase)

To delay action until someone or something arrives or happens. — "We waited for the rain to stop before going outside."

wait on (prepositional phrase)

To serve food or drinks to customers. — "The waiter waited on our table efficiently."

wait and see (idiom)

To delay making a decision or taking action until you know more about the situation. — "Should we invest now or wait and see?"

Synonyms of wait

Words with a similar meaning to wait:

• stay
• remain
• linger
• tarry

Antonyms of wait

Words with the opposite meaning to wait:

• hurry
• rush

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary