waited 🔊
Meaning of waited
The past tense of 'wait,' meaning to stay in place or delay action until a particular time or event occurs.
Key Difference
'Waited' implies patience and a deliberate pause, whereas synonyms may carry nuances of expectation, endurance, or inactivity.
Example of waited
- She waited patiently for her turn at the doctor's office.
- The team waited anxiously for the results of the championship game.
Synonyms
lingered 🔊
Meaning of lingered
To stay in a place longer than necessary, often reluctantly.
Key Difference
While 'waited' suggests purposeful delay, 'lingered' implies hesitation or unwillingness to leave.
Example of lingered
- He lingered outside her house, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
- The smell of fresh bread lingered in the bakery long after closing time.
paused 🔊
Meaning of paused
To stop temporarily before continuing.
Key Difference
'Paused' indicates a brief halt, whereas 'waited' suggests a longer or more purposeful delay.
Example of paused
- The speaker paused to take a sip of water before continuing his speech.
- She paused at the door, unsure whether to knock or walk away.
delayed 🔊
Meaning of delayed
To postpone or cause something to occur later than planned.
Key Difference
'Delayed' often implies an external cause for the wait, while 'waited' is more neutral.
Example of delayed
- The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
- He delayed his decision until he had more information.
remained 🔊
Meaning of remained
To stay in the same place or condition.
Key Difference
'Remained' is more general and doesn't necessarily imply anticipation, unlike 'waited.'
Example of remained
- She remained silent during the entire meeting.
- The ancient ruins remained untouched for centuries.
stood by 🔊
Meaning of stood by
To be ready or available for action if needed.
Key Difference
'Stood by' suggests readiness, while 'waited' is more passive.
Example of stood by
- The emergency team stood by in case of any accidents.
- He stood by his friend during the difficult times.
bided 🔊
Meaning of bided
To wait patiently for an opportunity.
Key Difference
'Bided' often implies waiting for the right moment, while 'waited' is more general.
Example of bided
- She bided her time before making her move in the chess game.
- He bided his years in exile, planning his return.
held on 🔊
Meaning of held on
To wait or endure, often in difficult circumstances.
Key Difference
'Held on' implies perseverance, whereas 'waited' is neutral.
Example of held on
- They held on despite the storm raging around them.
- She held on to hope even when things seemed impossible.
anticipated 🔊
Meaning of anticipated
To look forward to or expect something.
Key Difference
'Anticipated' involves expectation, while 'waited' is simply the act of staying.
Example of anticipated
- The children anticipated the arrival of their grandparents with excitement.
- He anticipated the release of the new smartphone for months.
tarried 🔊
Meaning of tarried
To delay or linger, often unnecessarily.
Key Difference
'Tarried' has an old-fashioned tone and implies wasting time, unlike 'waited.'
Example of tarried
- The traveler tarried in the village, enchanted by its charm.
- She tarried too long and missed her train.
Conclusion
- 'Waited' is a neutral term for staying in place or delaying action, often with patience.
- 'Lingered' should be used when someone stays longer than necessary, often with reluctance.
- 'Paused' works best for brief stops before continuing an action.
- 'Delayed' is appropriate when the wait is caused by external factors.
- 'Remained' is a general term for staying in place without implying anticipation.
- 'Stood by' implies readiness or support during a wait.
- 'Bided' is ideal for waiting strategically for the right moment.
- 'Held on' conveys endurance during challenging waits.
- 'Anticipated' involves expectation and eagerness.
- 'Tarried' is an old-fashioned word for lingering unnecessarily.