ENGLISH
REFERENCE

waits

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈweɪts// UK //wˈeɪts// waits

v. to stay in one place or delay an action until something expected happens. You do this when you are expecting a person, a bus, or a specific time.

v. to remain in a state of expectation or in a particular place until a specified event occurs. Often used with the preposition 'for' when followed by an object.


SIMPLE

She waits for the bus every morning at eight.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor asks that the patient waits in the lobby until their name is called by the nurse.

COMPLEX

While the market remains volatile, the investor waits for a clear signal of stability before committing any further capital to the emerging technology sector.

Synonyms
Usage

Intransitive; requires the preposition 'for' before a noun or pronoun object.

Pitfall

I am waiting youI am waiting for youWait is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it requires the preposition 'for'.

© 2026 English Reference