Wait vs. Await: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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Comparison Chart
Direct Object Needed
Not always (e.g., "I'll wait.")
Yes (e.g., "I await your call.")
Formality
Common in everyday speech.
More formal, often written.
Preposition Use
Uses "for" (e.g., "wait for the bus")
Doesn't need "for".
Implication
Passive delay.
Active anticipation.
Frequency of Usage
More commonly used.
Less frequent, more specific usage.
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Wait and Await Definitions
Wait
To delay action until a particular time or occurrence.
Wait until tomorrow.
Await
To be ready or waiting for.
A challenge awaits!
Wait
To remain stationary.
Please wait here.
Await
To remain in expectation of.
She's awaiting a phone call.
Wait
To remain in readiness or expectation.
We'll wait for your signal.
Await
To expect or look forward to.
I eagerly await your reply.
Wait
To delay movement or action until the arrival or occurrence of; to await. (Now generally superseded by “wait for”.)
Await
To be in store for.
Many surprises await him.
Wait
(intransitive) To delay movement or action until some event or time; to remain neglected or in readiness.
Wait here until your car arrives.
Await
To wait for.
Wait
To wait tables; to serve customers in a restaurant or other eating establishment.
She used to wait in this joint.
Await
To be kept as ready for
A contract awaiting signature.
Wait
To attend on; to accompany; especially, to attend with ceremony or respect.
Await
To be in store for
Death awaits us all.
Wait
(obsolete) To attend as a consequence; to follow upon; to accompany.
Await
To be in store
A busy day awaits.
Wait
To defer or postpone (especially a meal).
Await
To wait for.
I await your reply to my letter.
Wait
(intransitive) To remain faithful to one’s partner or betrothed during a prolonged period of absence.
Await
(transitive) To expect.
Wait
A delay.
I had a very long wait at the airport security check.
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.
Wait
An ambush.
They lay in wait for the patrol.
Await
To serve or attend; to wait on, wait upon.
Wait
(computing) wait state
Await
(intransitive) To watch, observe.
Wait
(obsolete) One who watches; a watchman.
Await
(intransitive) To wait; to stay in waiting.
Wait
Hautboys, or oboes, played by town musicians.
Await
(obsolete) A waiting for; ambush.
Wait
Musicians who sing or play at night or in the early morning, especially at Christmas time; serenaders; musical watchmen. [formerly waites, wayghtes.]
Await
(obsolete) Watching, watchfulness, suspicious observation.
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.
Await
To watch for; to look out for.
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.
Await
To wait on, serve, or attend.
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.
Await
To wait for; to stay for; to expect. See Expect.
Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat,Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night.
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.
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.
Wait
To attend as a consequence; to follow upon; to accompany; to await.
Await
To watch.
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.
Await
To wait (on or upon).
Wait
To cause to wait; to defer; to postpone; - said of a meal; as, to wait dinner.
Await
To wait; to stay in waiting.
Wait
The act of waiting; a delay; a halt.
There is a wait of three hours at the border Mexican town of El Paso.
Await
A waiting for; ambush; watch; watching; heed.
Wait
Ambush.
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
Wait
One who watches; a watchman.
Await
To be the outcome of.
What fate awaits him?
Wait
Hautboys, or oboes, played by town musicians; not used in the singular.
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.
Wait
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Wait
The act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something);
The wait was an ordeal for him
Wait
Stay in one place and anticipate or expect something;
I had to wait on line for an hour to get the tickets
Wait
Wait before acting
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
Wait
Serve as a waiter in a restaurant;
I'm waiting on tables at Maxim's
Wait
To be in expectation.
They are waiting to hear the verdict.
Wait
To stay in a place of employment.
She waits tables at that restaurant.
FAQs
Can "Wait" imply a sense of urgency?
It can, depending on context, but "Await" often conveys more immediacy.
Do I always need an object after "Wait"?
No, e.g., "Please wait."
Is "Await" common in casual conversation?
It's less common than "Wait" and often appears in formal contexts.
Do I need the preposition "for" with "Await"?
No, e.g., "I await your reply."
Is "Await" just a formal way to say "Wait"?
Not exactly; while "Await" is often more formal, it implies active anticipation.
Can I say "Await for"?
No, "for" is unnecessary with "Await."
Is "Await" an old-fashioned word?
While it might seem more formal, it's still in use, especially in writing.
Can I use "Await" without specifying what I'm awaiting?
Typically, "Await" needs an object.
Can "Wait" be used without specifying what you're waiting for?
Yes, as in "I'll wait."
Which is more common, "Wait" or "Await"?
"Wait" is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Is "Wait on" the same as "Wait for"?
It can be, but "Wait on" can also mean to serve.
Is "Await" passive?
It implies active anticipation rather than passive delay.
What's the opposite of "Wait"?
Act, proceed, or continue, depending on the context.
Does "Awaiting" mean the same as "Waiting"?
They're similar, but "Awaiting" often conveys more eagerness or anticipation.
Can I use "Await" in informal settings?
You can, but it's more common in formal contexts.
When should I choose "Await" over "Wait"?
When you want to convey active anticipation or when writing formally.
Can "Wait" suggest expectation?
Yes, especially when used with "for."
Does "Await" always suggest eagerness?
Not always, but it often implies anticipation.
Is "Wait" a verb only?
Primarily, but it can also be a noun, as in "a long wait."
Are "Wait" and "Await" interchangeable?
Not always. While they're related, they have different nuances and grammatical usage.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
