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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Wait

weɪt
Extremely common
500 - 600
500-600, Extremely common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
to stay in one place or remain inactive until something expected happens, to delay action or be patient, to serve as a waiter or waitress

Wait - Meanings

to stay in one place or remain inactive until something expected happens

Example: We had to wait for over an hour for the bus to arrive.
Usage: formalContext: waiting for appointments, transportation, events
Note: Commonly used in various formal and informal situations to indicate the act of staying in one place until something happens.

to delay action or be patient

Example: Please wait a moment while I finish this task.
Usage: formal/informalContext: requesting patience, giving someone time
Note: Used in both formal and informal contexts to ask for patience or indicate a delay in action.

to serve as a waiter or waitress

Example: She waits tables at the local restaurant.
Usage: informalContext: restaurant or hospitality industry
Note: This meaning is specific to the job of serving customers in a restaurant setting.

Wait's synonyms

await

To wait for something or someone, usually with anticipation.
Example: We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our guests.
Note: Await is more formal and often implies a sense of expectation or excitement.

anticipate

To expect or look forward to something happening.
Example: I anticipate a long line at the ticket counter, so we should leave early.
Note: Anticipate can imply a sense of preparation or foresight in addition to waiting.

expect

To believe or assume that something will happen or be the case.
Example: I expect the report to be ready by tomorrow.
Note: Expect is often used when there is a specific outcome or result that is anticipated.

pause

To temporarily stop or delay an action or activity.
Example: Let's pause for a moment and reflect on what has been said.
Note: Pause implies a brief interruption rather than a prolonged period of waiting.

Wait expressions, common phrases

Wait for

To delay action until someone or something arrives or is ready.
Example: I have to wait for my friend before we can go to the movie.
Note: The phrase 'wait for' specifically indicates waiting for a person or thing.

Wait in line

To wait one's turn in a queue or line of people.
Example: We had to wait in line for over an hour to get tickets to the concert.
Note: This phrase specifies waiting in a line or queue.

Wait up

To stay awake or delay going to bed until someone arrives or something happens.
Example: Don't go to bed yet, wait up for me to get home.
Note: It implies staying awake or delaying bedtime for someone or something.

Wait and see

To wait patiently to find out what will happen or how a situation will develop.
Example: I'm not sure how it will turn out; we'll just have to wait and see.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the aspect of patience and uncertainty in waiting.

Wait it out

To endure a difficult or challenging situation by being patient and waiting for it to end.
Example: The storm will pass; we just need to wait it out inside.
Note: This phrase suggests enduring or being patient during a challenging situation.

Wait on

To serve someone by attending to their needs or desires, especially in a restaurant or store.
Example: The restaurant staff continued to wait on the customers even during busy hours.
Note: It indicates serving or attending to someone's needs.

Wait a minute

An expression used to ask for a short pause or delay in an activity or conversation.
Example: Wait a minute, I need to grab my keys before we leave.
Note: This phrase is a common way to ask for a brief delay in action.

Wait everyday (slang) expressions

Hold your horses

This slang term means to wait or be patient, often used to tell someone to slow down or wait a moment.
Example: Hold your horses! Let me finish talking before you interrupt.
Note: The original word 'wait' is replaced by 'hold your horses' to add emphasis and convey a sense of urgency or impatience.

Chill out

This term means to relax or calm down, often used to ask someone to be patient or wait calmly.
Example: Hey, chill out! I'll be ready in a few minutes.
Note: While 'wait' implies pausing for a specific purpose, 'chill out' focuses more on the emotional aspect of waiting by asking someone to stay calm or relaxed.

Hang on a sec

This slang phrase means to wait for a short period, typically used to delay briefly before moving on to the next action.
Example: Hang on a sec, I'll grab my keys and then we can go.
Note: Instead of simply saying 'wait,' 'hang on a sec' suggests a quick pause or delay before proceeding, indicating a short timeframe for waiting.

Cool your jets

This expression means to calm down or relax, often used to ask someone to be patient and wait calmly.
Example: Cool your jets! The bus will be here soon.
Note: Similar to 'chill out,' 'cool your jets' emphasizes the need to remain calm while waiting, but with a slightly more playful or informal tone.

Give it a minute

This phrase means to wait briefly, suggesting that a short amount of time is needed before proceeding.
Example: Just give it a minute, I'm almost ready to leave.
Note: Rather than using the word 'wait,' 'give it a minute' implies a sense of anticipation and expectation, highlighting the imminent completion of a task or action.

Not so fast

This term means to slow down or hold off on proceeding, often used to caution against rushing into something.
Example: Not so fast! We need to wait for everyone to arrive before we start.
Note: While 'wait' indicates a general pause, 'not so fast' specifically warns against acting too quickly or impulsively, urging restraint and patience.

Take a rain check

This idiom means to postpone or reschedule a plan, often used when someone cannot engage in an activity as planned but suggests doing it at another time.
Example: Can we take a rain check on dinner tonight? I'm not feeling well.
Note: Unlike a straightforward 'wait,' 'take a rain check' implies a temporary delay or postponement with the intention of revisiting the plan in the future.

Wait - Examples

Wait for me!
I'm waiting for the bus.
Please don't make me wait too long.

Wait grammar

Wait - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: wait
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): waits, wait
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wait
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): waited
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): waiting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): waits
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): wait
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): wait
Syllables, Separation and Stress
wait Contains 1 syllables: wait
Phonetic transcription: ˈwāt
wait , ˈwāt (The red syllable is stressed)

Wait - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
wait: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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