wait

The word “wait” means to stay in one place or delay acting until something happens. In plain terms, to stay put until something happens, or (as a phrase) to serve tables.

“Wait” is pronounced wayt (/weɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “wait” used in a sentence: “We waited an hour for the bus to arrive.”

Words with a similar meaning to “wait” include await, wait for, serve, tend, postpone and abide.

The opposite of “wait” — its antonyms — are act, grasp, grasp the nettle, jump at the chance and go it blind.

Depending on how it is used, “wait” can be a verb and an interjection.

The word “wait” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman "waiter" (to watch or guard), from a Frankish word for "watch" — related to the modern word "watch" itself.

“Wait” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

They mean nearly the same thing, but the grammar differs. 'Wait' needs 'for' before an object - you wait for a bus. 'Await' takes the object directly, with no preposition - you await a reply. 'Await' is also more formal and usually written. In casual speech, 'wait for' is far more common.

'Wait for' means to stay until someone or something arrives or happens. 'Wait on' traditionally means to serve, as a waiter waits on diners. In informal American English, 'wait on' is increasingly used to mean 'wait for,' but careful writing still keeps the two apart.

To stay is simply to remain in a place. To wait is to remain until something specific happens, with that expectation built in. You might stay home all day, but you wait for a phone call. Waiting always points toward an event, whereas staying carries no such expectation.

'Please wait here until I return,' 'we waited an hour for the train,' and 'I can't wait to see you' all use the verb. The first two involve delaying and staying put, while 'can't wait' expresses eager anticipation rather than literal waiting.