wait — to stay in a place expecting something to happen or someone to arrive
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to stay in a place expecting something to happen or someone to arrive
Pronunciation (IPA): /weɪt/
Example Sentences
- I waited 3 hours for the new iPhone, but they ran out!
- My dog waits by the door every day at 5 PM for my return.
- Wait, did I turn off the stove before leaving home?
wait
VERB[/weɪt/]
to stay in a place expecting something to happen or someone to arrive
A woman waits by the window for her friend to arrive
Wait by the gate, and you won't be late!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'wait' derives from Old French 'waitier', meaning 'to watch' or 'to guard'. The term evolved through Middle English as 'waiten', acquiring the reinforced sense of 'watching while expecting' or 'staying in anticipation', likely influenced by Germanic hunting vocabulary where waiting for game required vigilant observation.
Breakdown
Old French 'waitier' (to watch, guard) → Middle English 'waiten' → Modern English 'wait'. The root conveys the concept of watchful anticipation, combining the sense of visual observation with temporal delay.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I waited 3 hours for the new iPhone, but they ran out!”
“My dog waits by the door every day at 5 PM for my return.”
“Wait, did I turn off the stove before leaving home?”
“The wait at the doctor's office felt like forever.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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