await

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Usage notes 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Noun 1.5 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English awaiten, from Norman (Old North French) awaitier (“‘to lie in wait for, watch, observe’”), originally especially with a hostile sense; itself from a- (“‘to’”) + waitier (“‘to watch’”).^[1]

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: RP /əˈwɛɪt/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

• Rhymes: -eɪt

[edit] Verb

to await (third-person singular simple present awaits, present participle awaiting, simple past and past participle awaited)

1. (transitive, formal) To wait for.

   I await your reply to my letter.

2. (transitive) To wait on, serve or attend (to).
3. (transitive) To expect.
4. (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.

5. (intransitive) To watch.
6. (intransitive) To wait (on or upon).
7. (intransitive) To wait; to stay in waiting.

[edit] Synonyms

• (wait for): wait for; anticipate; listen (of a sound)

[edit] Usage notes

• As await means to wait for, it is not followed by "for". I am awaiting for your reply is therefore incorrect.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

await (plural awaits)

1. (obsolete) A waiting for; ambush.
2. (obsolete) Watching, watchfulness, suspicious observance.
   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book VII:

     Also, madame, syte you well that there be many men spekith of oure love in this courte, and have you and me gretely in awayte, as thes Sir Aggravayne and Sir Mordred.

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ “await” in the Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, 2001