await
uh-WAYT
Await (verb) means to wait for something or someone, often with a sense of expectation. Example: “We awaited the results anxiously all morning.”
verb
1
To wait for something or someone, often with a sense of expectation.
"I await your reply to my letter."
"In love, however, women are brave. How many clamber over rooftops of houses and palaces, and are still doing it, when their lovers await them!"
— Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs (1961)
"After 170416 heads into the bay platform (2) to be prepared for its next trip to 'Skeggy', there's time to grab a coffee and await the arrival of RAIL's next train - the 1144 Leicester-Grimsby Town."
— , Rural railways: do they deliver? (2024)
"We awaited the results anxiously all morning."
"A warm welcome awaited them at the airport."
"Passengers must await further instructions from the cabin crew before leaving their seats."
How to use await
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal way of saying "wait for" — often used for something anticipated.
Common mistake
Await is transitive and takes no "for" — say "await the reply", not "await for the reply".
When to use it
More formal than plain "wait for"; common in written or official English ("your order awaits collection").
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Word forms
- Plural
- awaits
- Third person singular
- awaits
- Past tense
- awaited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We _____ the results anxiously all morning.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman awaitier, "to watch or lie in wait for", from a- + waitier, "to watch" — related to modern "wait".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for await
See all rhymes for await →Frequently asked questions
What does “await” mean?
The word “await” means to wait for something or someone, often with a sense of expectation. In plain terms, a more formal way of saying "wait for" — often used for something anticipated.
How do you pronounce “await”?
“Await” is pronounced uh-WAYT (/əˈweɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “await” in a sentence?
Here is “await” used in a sentence: “We awaited the results anxiously all morning.”
What is another word for “await”?
Words with a similar meaning to “await” include anticipate, listen and service.
What part of speech is “await”?
“Await” is a verb.
Where does the word “await” come from?
The word “await” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman awaitier, "to watch or lie in wait for", from a- + waitier, "to watch" — related to modern "wait".
Is “await” a common word?
“Await” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'await' and 'wait for'?
Await and 'wait for' mean the same thing, but await is a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition, as in 'await your reply,' while 'wait for' requires 'for,' as in 'wait for your reply.' Await also tends to sound more formal than 'wait for.'
Is 'await' formal or informal?
Await is more formal than the everyday phrase 'wait for,' and it appears frequently in business writing, official notices, and literary contexts. In casual conversation, most speakers simply say 'wait for' instead.
Can 'await' be followed by the word 'for'?
No, await should not be followed by 'for,' since it already means to wait for something. 'I await your response' is correct, while 'I await for your response' is a common error. Only 'wait' requires the preposition 'for' before its object.
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