can't wait to — to be extremely excited or eager to do something, so much so that waiting feels impossible
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be extremely excited or eager to do something, so much so that waiting feels impossible
Pronunciation (IPA): /kænt weɪt tu/
Example Sentences
- My little brother can't wait to open his birthday presents—he's already ripping the wrapping paper!
- I can't wait to tell you what happened at school today.
- The dog can't wait to go for a walk—it's already spinning in circles by the door.
can't wait to
VERB[/kænt weɪt tu/]
to be extremely excited or eager to do something, so much so that waiting feels impossible
The kids can't wait to open their presents on Christmas morning.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines three English words to express eager anticipation. 'Wait' derives from Old Northern French 'waitier' (to watch), while 'can't' is the contraction of 'cannot' (to be unable). The negation of waiting creates an idiom meaning one is so eager or impatient that waiting is impossible, as with a child unable to restrain excitement before opening a Christmas gift.
Breakdown
can't (cannot, be unable) + wait (remain in expectation; from Old Northern French waitier) + to (infinitive marker). The negation of the waiting verb creates the sense of irrepressible eagerness or impatience.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother can't wait to open his birthday presents—he's already ripping the wrapping paper!”
“I can't wait to tell you what happened at school today.”
“The dog can't wait to go for a walk—it's already spinning in circles by the door.”
“She can't wait to start her new job next Monday.”
📚Related Words
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