Although the phrases ‘wait’ and ‘await’ have almost equal meanings and appear to be interchangeable, they should not be used indiscriminately. Because ‘await’ is a more formal term than ‘wait,’ this is the case. Waiting is the act of passing the time until an anticipated event occurs, while waiting with hope is the act of waiting for something to happen.
Wait vs Await
The main difference between wait and await is that wait can be used not only as a verb but also as a noun. It entails remaining still until a specified event occurs. Await is a different kind of verb. It is a transitive verb. This means that the presence of a direct object is required here. Because ‘await’ is a more formal term than ‘wait,’ this is the case. In a phrase, the wait may be used as both a noun and a verb, but await is just a verb. Waiting is the act of passing the time while waiting for something to happen, while waiting with faith is the action of waiting for something to happen. The word ‘wait’ signifies ‘to stay.’ On the other hand, the phrase ‘await’ denotes ‘to wait for’ or ‘to expect.’
Deferring activity until a future event or scenario arises is the definition of waiting. It might also mean waiting for something to occur in the future but doing nothing to make it happen sooner. The term ‘wait’ can be used in a variety of contexts. To begin, simply say, “We’ve been waiting so long, and no one has come to speak with us. Another common structure is to use the word ‘wait’ in conjunction with another verb, such as ‘I waited in line to enter the theater.’
Await is a verb that means “to await” or “to be anticipating. It might also indicate that something is on the way or that something will be waiting for you in the future. The word “await” has several ancient and archaic definitions. It has a formal or solemn tone to it.
Comparison Table Between Wait and Await
| Parameters of Comparison | Wait | Await |
| Part of speech | It can be used in two ways as a part of speech, one as a noun and/or as a verb. | Verb |
| Verb | In the sense that it can survive without a direct object, ‘wait’ is an intransitive verb. | A direct object is required for the transitive verb ‘await,’ which is commonly an abstract term. |
| Example | Ria has been waiting for the train for three hours. | With bated breath, we awaited the arrival of the doctor. |
| Followed by preposition | If there is an object, a preposition is generally used after the word “wait. | There is no preposition after ‘await,’ because the word itself implies ‘wait for,’ and using one after it would be confusing. |
| Requirement of object | The verb ‘wait’ is intransitive since it can exist without a direct object. | Waiting is a transitive verb that demands the presence of an object. |
What is Wait?
Deferring activity until a future event or scenario arises is the definition of waiting. It might also mean waiting for something to occur in the future but doing nothing to make it happen sooner. The term ‘wait’ can be used in a variety of contexts. A common structure is to use the word ‘wait’ in conjunction with another verb.
The verb “wait” and the noun “wait” have two different meanings. It refers to staying still until a specified event occurs.
The verb ‘wait’ refers to the act of allowing time to pass while remaining still and doing nothing until an anticipated event occurs, or one can do anything, or his/her turn arrives since he/she can only go ahead when that exact moment occurs.
Waiting entails doing almost nothing since you won’t be able to move any farther if the moment arrives or what you expect to happen occurs.
A preposition is frequently inserted after the word “wait” if an object is present.
Waiting for something involves being stationary until a specified time or event occurs, whereas anticipating something means expecting something to happen.
In a phrase, the word ‘wait’ can be used as both a noun and a verb.
The wait is an intransitive verb since it can continue without a direct object.
What is Await?
The word ‘await’ is used in a formal environment when somebody is waiting for something to happen. To expect something to happen” is the meaning of the word “await. ‘I’m waiting for your reaction,’ as in ‘I’m waiting for your response.’ The phrase ‘await’ refers to the act of hoping or watching for something to happen.
In a formal circumstance, we use the word ‘await’ when someone anticipates something to happen. The transitive verb ‘await’ requires a direct object, which is frequently an abstract noun. The presence of an object is required by the transitive verb waiting.
Await with hope or vigilance for action or occurrence to occur,’ on the other hand, is a verb. There is no preposition after ‘await,’ because the term indicates ‘wait for,’ and it would be irrational to place one after it.
‘Await’ is anticipating something means expecting something to happen. The term ‘await’ can only be used as a verb. ‘Await,’ on the other hand, is a transitive verb that demands a direct object, which is typically an abstract noun. Await is a transitive verb, meaning it requires the presence of a direct object to operate. This is because ‘await’ is a more formal word than ‘wait.’
Main Differences Between Wait and Await
Conclusion
Choosing between two words with virtually identical definitions might be difficult. The phrases “wait” and “await” have nearly identical meanings; however, they should not be used interchangeably. The verb “wait” and the noun “wait” have two different meanings. It refers to staying still until a specified event occurs. Await is a transitive verb, meaning it requires the presence of a direct object to operate.
This is because ‘await’ is a more formal word than ‘wait.’ Wait can be used as a noun or a verb in a sentence, but await is just a verb.’ Wait’ means to pass the time until an expected event happens, whereas ‘await’ means to want for something to happen. ‘Wait’ is a verb that means ‘to stay.’ On the other hand, the phrase ‘await’ is used to signify ‘wait for’ or ‘expect.’
References
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