await
Await (verb) means to wait for something or someone, often with a sense of expectation. Example: “We awaited the results anxiously all morning.”
How to Use Await
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal way of saying "wait for" — often used for something anticipated.
Await is transitive and takes no "for" — say "await the reply", not "await for the reply".
More formal than plain "wait for"; common in written or official English ("your order awaits collection").
Word Forms
awaited past tense, awaits plural, awaits singular
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.
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