Library / English Dictionary

WAIT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

The act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

Example:

the wait was an ordeal for him

Synonyms:

wait; waiting

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("wait" is a kind of...):

inactivity (being inactive; being less active)

Derivation:

wait (stay in one place and anticipate or expect something)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Time during which some action is awaited

Example:

he ordered a hold in the action

Synonyms:

delay; hold; postponement; time lag; wait

Classified under:

Nouns denoting time and temporal relations

Hypernyms ("wait" is a kind of...):

break; intermission; interruption; pause; suspension (a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "wait"):

extension (a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt)

moratorium (a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged)

retardation (the extent to which something is delayed or held back)

Derivation:

wait (wait before acting)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Look forward to the probable occurrence of

Example:

he is waiting to be drafted

Synonyms:

await; expect; look; wait

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Verb group:

anticipate; expect (regard something as probable or likely)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "wait"):

expect (look forward to the birth of a child)

look forward (expect or hope for)

look to (turn one's interests or expectations towards)

hang on; hold on; hold the line (hold the phone line open)

anticipate; look for; look to (be excited or anxious about)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE
Somebody ----s VERB-ing

Derivation:

waiter (a person who waits or awaits)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Serve as a waiter or waitress in a restaurant

Example:

I'm waiting on tables at Maxim's

Synonyms:

wait; waitress

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "wait" is one way to...):

work (exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

waiter (a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

Example:

I had to wait on line for an hour to get the tickets

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "wait"):

ambuscade; ambush; bushwhack; lie in wait; lurk; scupper; waylay (wait in hiding to attack)

cool one's heels; kick one's heels (wait or pass the time aimlessly or futilely; be kept waiting)

stand by; stick about; stick around (be available or ready for a certain function or service)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP

Sentence example:

They wait a long time

Derivation:

wait (the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something))

waiter (a person who waits or awaits)

waiting (the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something))

Sense 4

Meaning:

Wait before acting

Example:

the scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment

Synonyms:

hold back; hold off; wait

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Hypernyms (to "wait" is one way to...):

act; move (perform an action, or work out or perform (an action))

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "wait"):

hold out (wait uncompromisingly for something desirable)

delay (act later than planned, scheduled, or required)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s VERB-ing

Sentence example:

They wait to move

Derivation:

wait (time during which some action is awaited)

waiter (a person who waits or awaits)

Credits

 Context examples: 

“Well,” said Sir Thomas, as if waiting more to accomplish the surprise.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Since Mars once had flowing water, scientists say it is possible that similar microorganisms may be waiting there for the next opportunity to continue life.

(Scientists: Life Can Thrive in Most Extreme Environments, George Putic/VOA)

If radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan, your doctor may suggest waiting until after radiation therapy.

(Breast Reconstruction, NIH: National Cancer Institute)

Scientists estimate that about another 250 or so are waiting to be discovered.

(NASA Juno data indicate another possible volcano on Jupiter moon Io, NASA)

I dared not wait to see him return, for I feared to see those weird sisters.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“If you will wait, please, until I come back,” I answered.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Peggotty was in attendance to wait upon us, but my mother wouldn't let her do it, and made her dine with us.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

We wait. We sleep. By and by morning come. There is no more snow.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

We must have a cab. No, my brougham is waiting.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)