Definition of wait
Short definition: The word wait means staying in one place or delaying an action until something happens or someone arrives. People use it to describe being patient, giving time for events to unfold, or not rushing into decisions.
Looking for a clear and realistic explanation of the word wait? This page explains how wait is used in everyday situations—from patiently expecting something, delaying action, dealing with uncertainty, to expressing emotional tension. The explanations focus on real-life usage, not stiff textbook definitions.
Verb forms: wait, waits, waiting, waited
Related: waiting n., waiter n., waitlist n.
Syllable: wait
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(Verb) To stay in one place or delay action until something expected
happens or someone arrives.
She decided to wait at the café until her friend arrived, even though the weather was getting colder and the place was crowded.We had to wait for over an hour because the meeting started later than scheduled.He told us to wait outside while he checked whether the documents were ready.
Synonyms: remain, stay, pause, hold on, linger, stand by, bide time, delay action, be patient, wait around, hold back, remain idle
Antonyms: leave, go, rush, hurry, proceed, act immediately, advance, move on, depart, continue, push ahead, start early -
(Verb) To delay doing something until a later time,
often because conditions are not yet right.
He chose to wait before making a final decision, wanting to gather more information and hear different opinions.It’s better to wait until the situation becomes clearer instead of reacting too quickly.She told herself to wait a few more days before responding to the message.
Synonyms: postpone, delay, hold off, put off, defer, suspend, pause intentionally, take time, slow down, wait out, stall, hesitate
Antonyms: proceed, decide immediately, rush into, act quickly, finalize, execute, commit instantly, jump into, accelerate, hasten, push through, take action -
(Verb) To expect something that is likely or planned to happen,
often with a sense of anticipation or uncertainty.
She waited anxiously for the results, checking her phone repeatedly throughout the evening.We are waiting to hear whether the proposal will be approved by management.He waited for a reply that never came, which slowly changed how he felt about the situation.
Synonyms: expect, anticipate, look forward to, await, hope for, watch for, be on standby for, remain alert for, stay ready for, count on, look out for, prepare for
Antonyms: ignore, dismiss, give up on, stop expecting, abandon hope, disregard, forget about, rule out, stop caring, reject possibility, assume finished, lose interest -
(Verb) To serve or assist customers in a restaurant or service setting
(less common, informal usage).
She used to wait tables at night while studying during the day.He learned how to wait guests professionally, balancing speed with good customer service.Working jobs where you wait tables can teach patience and communication skills.
Synonyms: serve, attend to, assist, help customers, take orders, provide service, look after guests, cater to, support diners, handle tables, work service, tend to
Antonyms: neglect customers, ignore guests, refuse service, turn away, abandon tables, deny assistance, avoid serving, withdraw service, mistreat diners, disregard needs, fail to attend, leave unattended -
(Noun) A period of time spent expecting something to happen
or someone to arrive.
The long wait at the airport made the journey feel more exhausting than the flight itself.After a short wait, her name was finally called, ending the nervous tension.The wait for approval tested everyone’s patience.
Synonyms: delay, pause, interval, hold-up, waiting period, downtime, intermission, break, lull, suspension, gap, idle time
Antonyms: immediacy, instant action, promptness, quick response, instant result, no delay, rapid progress, fast execution, urgency, acceleration, swift movement, immediacy of action -
(Figurative) To accept uncertainty or lack of control
while time or circumstances unfold.
Sometimes all you can do is wait and trust that things will eventually make sense.He learned to wait instead of forcing outcomes, realizing that patience often leads to better decisions.In moments of doubt, choosing to wait can be an act of strength rather than weakness.
Synonyms: be patient, allow time, trust the process, hold steady, remain calm, endure, accept uncertainty, stay composed, let things unfold, practice patience, tolerate delay, stay grounded
Antonyms: panic, force action, rush decisions, lose patience, react impulsively, demand control, push prematurely, act recklessly, insist immediately, overreact, rush outcomes, pressure situations