Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈweɪt/

Definitions

• 1. To wait for something or someone, typically in a state of readiness or anticipation.
• 2. To be in readiness for something that is expected or anticipated.
• 3. (in formal or literary usage) To stay in a place or state until something happens or someone arrives.

Usage Examples

• I will await your instructions before proceeding with the task.
• She awaited the arrival of her friends at the station.
• We are awaiting the results of the election with great interest.

Etymology

The word "await" comes from Middle English "awaite" or "awaiten," derived from the Old French "awaitier" (to wait for). It has its roots in the Late Latin "ad-" (to) and "vetare" (to be on guard), signifying a state of expectation or readiness for something to occur. The word has been used in English since the 14th century and evolved in meaning to describe the act of waiting for something, often with a sense of expectation or anticipation.

Synonyms

• Wait
• Expect
• Anticipate
• Look forward to
• Hold out for

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Disregard
• Overlook
• Advance
• Proceed

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "await" is typically pronounced as /əˈweɪt/ with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.
• In British English, the pronunciation remains similar, but the vowel in the first syllable is slightly more distinct.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation is very similar to American English, but there may be a slight variation in intonation.

Historical Usage

The verb "await" has been in use since the Middle Ages, often appearing in literary and formal contexts. In early texts, it was frequently used with a more literary tone, indicating the act of waiting for an important or significant event or person. In contemporary usage, "await" is still more formal than the simpler "wait," and it often implies a sense of anticipation or expectation. The phrase "await one's fate" or "await one's arrival" reflects the term's historical use in relation to critical or weighty events.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the act of awaiting something can carry various emotional connotations. In some cultures, waiting is a sign of respect or reverence, particularly when it comes to awaiting the arrival of important figures or events. For instance, in Japan, the act of waiting for something—especially in a formal setting—is imbued with a sense of patience and discipline, often seen as a virtue. In other cultures, waiting might be seen as a burden or a test of patience. The concept of "waiting" plays an important role in many religious and cultural traditions, often linked to anticipation or hope for an eventual outcome or fulfillment.

More Information

The verb "await" conveys a sense of active expectation, indicating that the person is not merely "waiting" passively, but is engaged in the act of waiting with anticipation. It is often used in more formal contexts, such as legal, literary, or poetic language. "Await" is frequently used with a direct object, typically the thing or event that is being anticipated, such as "I await the outcome," or "She awaits her turn." In contrast, "wait" is more commonly used in casual speech and can be used without a direct object, such as in the phrase "I am waiting for the bus." Despite these nuances, both verbs describe the act of staying in place or remaining inactive until something happens or someone arrives.