Wait vs. Await: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 8, 2023
"Wait" means to stay in place with expectation, while "Await" means to expect or look forward to something coming.
Key Differences
"Wait" is a verb that generally implies staying in one place or remaining inactive until something specific happens. "Await," on the other hand, has a more anticipatory feel, signaling that one is looking forward with eagerness or preparation to an event or moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
When we use "Wait," it often doesn't require an object after it. For instance, "I'll wait here." "Await," conversely, typically requires an object, like in the sentence "I await your response."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Another noteworthy point is that "Wait" is more versatile in its usage. It can be used informally and casually. "Await" feels slightly more formal and is often seen in written correspondence or official contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
From a grammatical perspective, "Wait for" is often used when specifying what or whom one is waiting for, as in "wait for the bus." "Await" eliminates the need for the preposition "for," as one would say, "await the bus."
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
It's also worth noting that while both "Wait" and "Await" can convey a sense of expectation, "Await" often conveys a stronger sense of immediacy or importance. For instance, "I await your decision" might suggest urgency, whereas "I'll wait for your decision" is more relaxed.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Direct Object Needed
Not always (e.g., "I'll wait.")
Yes (e.g., "I await your call.")
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
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Wait and Await Definitions
Wait
To delay action until a particular time or occurrence.
Wait until tomorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
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Wait
To delay movement or action until the arrival or occurrence of; to await. (Now generally superseded by “wait for”.)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
(intransitive) To delay movement or action until some event or time; to remain neglected or in readiness.
Wait here until your car arrives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To wait tables; to serve customers in a restaurant or other eating establishment.
She used to wait in this joint.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To attend on; to accompany; especially, to attend with ceremony or respect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
(intransitive) To remain faithful to one’s partner or betrothed during a prolonged period of absence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Await
(transitive) To be in store for; to be ready or in waiting for.
Glorious rewards await the good in heaven; eternal suffering awaits mortal sinners in hell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
Musicians who sing or play at night or in the early morning, especially at Christmas time; serenaders; musical watchmen. [formerly waites, wayghtes.]
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
(informal) Tells the other speaker to stop talking, typing etc. for a moment.
Wait. Stop talking for a moment while I get my head straight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To watch; to observe; to take notice.
"But [unless] ye wait well and be privy,I wot right well, I am but dead," quoth she.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary till the arrival of some person or event; to rest in patience; to stay; not to depart.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
They also serve who only stand and wait.
Haste, my dear father; 't is no time to wait.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Await
To wait for; to stay for; to expect. See Expect.
Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat,Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To stay for; to rest or remain stationary in expectation of; to await; as, to wait orders.
Awed with these words, in camps they still abide,And wait with longing looks their promised guide.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Await
To be in store for; to be ready or in waiting for; as, a glorious reward awaits the good.
O Eve, some farther change awaits us night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To attend on; to accompany; especially, to attend with ceremony or respect.
He chose a thousand horse, the flower of allHis warlike troops, to wait the funeral.
Remorse and heaviness of heart shall wait thee,And everlasting anguish be thy portion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
To cause to wait; to defer; to postpone; - said of a meal; as, to wait dinner.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
The act of waiting; a delay; a halt.
There is a wait of three hours at the border Mexican town of El Paso.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Await
Look forward to the probable occurrence of;
We were expecting a visit from our relatives
She is looking to a promotion
He is waiting to be drafted
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
Musicians who sing or play at night or in the early morning, especially at Christmas time; serenaders; musical watchmen.
Hark! are the waits abroad?
The sound of the waits, rude as may be their minstrelsy, breaks upon the mild watches of a winter night with the effect of perfect harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
The act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something);
The wait was an ordeal for him
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
Stay in one place and anticipate or expect something;
I had to wait on line for an hour to get the tickets
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Wait
Look forward to the probable occurrence of;
We were expecting a visit from our relatives
She is looking to a promotion
He is waiting to be drafted
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can "Wait" imply a sense of urgency?
It can, depending on context, but "Await" often conveys more immediacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Await" common in casual conversation?
It's less common than "Wait" and often appears in formal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Await" just a formal way to say "Wait"?
Not exactly; while "Await" is often more formal, it implies active anticipation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Await" an old-fashioned word?
While it might seem more formal, it's still in use, especially in writing.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
Can I use "Await" without specifying what I'm awaiting?
Typically, "Await" needs an object.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Can "Wait" be used without specifying what you're waiting for?
Yes, as in "I'll wait."
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Which is more common, "Wait" or "Await"?
"Wait" is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Wait on" the same as "Wait for"?
It can be, but "Wait on" can also mean to serve.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Await" passive?
It implies active anticipation rather than passive delay.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
What's the opposite of "Wait"?
Act, proceed, or continue, depending on the context.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
Does "Awaiting" mean the same as "Waiting"?
They're similar, but "Awaiting" often conveys more eagerness or anticipation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Can I use "Await" in informal settings?
You can, but it's more common in formal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
When should I choose "Await" over "Wait"?
When you want to convey active anticipation or when writing formally.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Does "Await" always suggest eagerness?
Not always, but it often implies anticipation.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
Is "Wait" a verb only?
Primarily, but it can also be a noun, as in "a long wait."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Are "Wait" and "Await" interchangeable?
Not always. While they're related, they have different nuances and grammatical usage.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
