Difference Between Wait & Await

Wait vs Await

There is often confusion between the words “wait” and “await” due to their similar meanings. However, they are distinct words with different meanings. The term “wait” is used to mean ‘remain’, while “await” means ‘wait on’ or ‘expect’. Additionally, “await” is more formal than “wait”. Another key difference is that “await” is a transitive verb, meaning it gives rise to a direct object, while “wait” is an intransitive verb, giving rise to an indirect object.

Key Takeaways

• Wait means ‘remain’ or ‘stay’, while await means ‘wait on’ or ‘expect’
• Await is a transitive verb and wait is an intransitive verb
• Wait can be used as both a verb and a noun, while await is primarily used as a verb, but its usage as a noun is accepted in modern English

What does Wait mean?

The word “wait” is used to imply ‘remain’ or ‘stay’. For example, in the sentences “He waited for a long time at the bus stop” and “She had a long wait”, the word “wait” is used to mean ‘remain’. The word “wait” can also be used as a noun, as seen in the sentences “She had a long wait in the railway station” and “He is having a long wait today”.

What does Await mean?

The term “await” means ‘wait on’ or ‘expect’. For example, in the sentences “She awaited the results of the examination” and “He was awaiting her arrival”, the word “await” is used to mean ‘wait on’ or ‘expect’. Although primarily used as a verb, the usage of “await” as a noun is accepted in modern English.

What is the difference between Wait and Await?

• Wait is used to mean ‘remain’, while await means ‘wait on’ or ‘expect’
• Await is a transitive verb, while wait is an intransitive verb
• Wait can be used as both a verb and a noun, while await is mainly used as a verb but can also be used as a noun in modern English