await 🔊
Meaning of await
To wait for or expect something, often with anticipation or preparation.
Key Difference
Unlike simpler terms like 'wait,' 'await' implies a more formal or patient expectation, often used in written or formal contexts.
Example of await
- The world eagerly awaits the results of the climate summit.
- She sat quietly, awaiting her turn to speak at the conference.
Synonyms
expect 🔊
Meaning of expect
To regard something as likely to happen or anticipate it.
Key Difference
'Expect' is more general, while 'await' suggests a more formal or patient waiting.
Example of expect
- Scientists expect a breakthrough in quantum computing soon.
- He expected a reply to his email by the end of the day.
anticipate 🔊
Meaning of anticipate
To look forward to or prepare for something beforehand.
Key Difference
'Anticipate' involves preparation or excitement, whereas 'await' is more neutral.
Example of anticipate
- Fans anticipate the release of the new space exploration documentary.
- She anticipated the meeting with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
look forward to 🔊
Meaning of look forward to
To await something with pleasure or eagerness.
Key Difference
More positive and personal than 'await,' which can be neutral.
Example of look forward to
- Children look forward to the annual science fair at school.
- He looked forward to reuniting with his old friends.
hope for 🔊
Meaning of hope for
To desire and await something with optimism.
Key Difference
Implies a wish or desire, unlike the neutral 'await.'
Example of hope for
- Farmers hope for rain after months of drought.
- She hoped for a positive response to her job application.
count on 🔊
Meaning of count on
To rely on or expect something with certainty.
Key Difference
Stronger than 'await,' as it implies trust or dependency.
Example of count on
- The team counts on their leader’s guidance during tough projects.
- You can count on the sunrise every morning.
stay for 🔊
Meaning of stay for
To remain in a place until something happens.
Key Difference
More literal, focusing on physical waiting, while 'await' can be abstract.
Example of stay for
- They stayed for the final announcement before leaving.
- Visitors stayed for the museum’s closing ceremony.
bide 🔊
Meaning of bide
To wait patiently for a right moment.
Key Difference
Older and more poetic, often implying patience or strategy.
Example of bide
- He bided his time before making a career move.
- The predator bided its time before striking.
remain 🔊
Meaning of remain
To stay in a place or condition until something occurs.
Key Difference
Focuses on staying in place, while 'await' is more about expectation.
Example of remain
- The judge asked the jury to remain until the verdict was ready.
- The artifacts remain in the museum awaiting further study.
linger 🔊
Meaning of linger
To stay longer than usual, often reluctantly.
Key Difference
Implies delay or reluctance, unlike the neutral 'await.'
Example of linger
- She lingered at the door, awaiting a goodbye.
- The smell of coffee lingered in the air.
Conclusion
- 'Await' is best used in formal or written contexts where patient expectation is implied.
- 'Expect' is versatile and fits most general situations where something is anticipated.
- 'Anticipate' should be used when there’s excitement or preparation involved.
- 'Look forward to' is ideal for personal, joyful expectations.
- 'Hope for' works when there’s a strong desire or optimism attached to the waiting.
- 'Count on' is perfect when reliability or certainty is emphasized.
- 'Stay for' is literal, used when physically waiting in a place.
- 'Bide' adds a poetic or strategic tone to waiting.
- 'Remain' focuses on staying in place until an event occurs.
- 'Linger' suggests a delay or reluctance in moving on.