Meaning of Wait
to stay where you are or delay doing something until somebody/something comes or something happens
In simple words: To stay in one place or not do anything until something happens.
Wait in a sentence
- Please wait for your turn in the queue.
- I can’t wait to see you at the party!
- You need to wait until the signal changes to cross the street.
- She decided to wait for him before leaving the office.
- Can you wait a moment while I finish this call?
How to use Wait
Often used when someone is expecting another person or event. Can be informal when telling someone to be patient (e.g., 'Wait a minute'). Less formal in casual conversations. In formal contexts, alternatives like 'await' may be more appropriate.
Grammar pattern
wait + for + object
Memory hint
Think of a clock ticking while you are 'waiting' for something to happen.
Related words
Collocations with Wait
Common mistakes with Wait
- 'Wait' is sometimes confused with 'waive', which has a different meaning.
- Learners may use 'wait' without the preposition 'for' when necessary.
- Using 'wait' inappropriately in formal writing, where 'await' is preferred.
Wait appears in
Wait in other languages
More words like Wait
- BeA1
To exist or live.
- IA1
The word used by a person to talk about themselves.
- OfA1
shows a relationship between things, often to indicate belonging or connection.
- TheA1
A word that shows a specific thing is being talked about.
- YouA1
A word used to talk about the person or people you are speaking to.
- AndA1
Used to connect words or phrases together.
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Frequently asked questions about "Wait"
What does "Wait" mean?
To stay in one place or not do anything until something happens.
What is the definition of "Wait"?
to stay where you are or delay doing something until somebody/something comes or something happens
How do you use "Wait" in a sentence?
Please wait for your turn in the queue.
Can you give another example of "Wait"?
I can’t wait to see you at the party!
What are synonyms for "Wait"?
Common alternatives include stay, pause, remain, bide, linger.
What is the opposite of "Wait"?
Opposite meanings include rush, hurry, act.
What words go with "Wait"?
It commonly pairs with a while, long, forever, have to, must, can hardly, for, till, until, can’t afford to wait, keep somebody waiting, wait a long time, a while, long, forever, have to, must, can hardly, for, till, until, can’t afford to wait, keep somebody waiting, wait a long time.
What are common mistakes when using "Wait"?
'Wait' is sometimes confused with 'waive', which has a different meaning. Learners may use 'wait' without the preposition 'for' when necessary. Using 'wait' inappropriately in formal writing, where 'await' is preferred.
How do you pronounce "Wait"?
US: /["/weɪt/","/weɪts/","/ˈweɪtɪd/","/ˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/weɪt/","/weɪts/","/ˈweɪtɪd/","/ˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use "Wait"?
Often used when someone is expecting another person or event. Can be informal when telling someone to be patient (e.g., 'Wait a minute'). Less formal in casual conversations. In formal contexts, alternatives like 'await' may be more appropriate.
What CEFR level is "Wait"?
"Wait" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.





























