await
C1Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To wait for or expect something to happen or someone to arrive.
To be in store for someone; to be destined or prepared for a particular person or event.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Await" is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., we await your reply). It often implies expectation or readiness for an event that is certain or imminent, more so than the more general "wait for." It can be used for both events and people. It is not used in continuous forms as commonly as "wait for."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Slightly more common in formal UK writing than in US, where "wait for" is often preferred even in formal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal or literary tone. It can sound slightly old-fashioned or pompous if used in casual speech.
Frequency
Used moderately in formal contexts in both regions. The frequency of 'await' vs. 'wait for' is consistently higher in formal UK English than in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + await + Noun Phrase (direct object)It + await + Noun Phrase (e.g., A surprise awaited her.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A fate worse than death awaits.”
- “What awaits you? (rhetorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal correspondence: "We await your signed contract."
Academic
Used in research contexts: "The findings await peer review."
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; "wait for" is standard.
Technical
Used in computing/legal: "The process awaits user input." / "The defendant awaits sentencing."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee awaits the minister's decision.
- A warm reception awaits the victorious team.
- He is in custody awaiting trial.
American English
- The proposal awaits Senate approval.
- Great adventures await the explorers.
- She awaits the test results anxiously.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please await further instructions.
- We await your reply.
- The players await the referee's signal.
- I await your decision on the matter.
- The suspect was remanded in custody awaiting trial.
- Numerous challenges await the new administration.
- The full implications of the discovery await scholarly analysis.
- A paradoxical conclusion awaits those who pursue this line of inquiry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'A WAITer' who stands ready to serve you; the waiter 'awaits' your order.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUTURE IS A DESTINATION (something awaits you down the road).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating "await" as "awaiting" in continuous form (e.g., *'I am awaiting') which sounds unnatural; use simple present. The direct translation from Russian "ожидать" is correct, but remember it needs an object.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object: *'I will await.' (Correct: 'I will await your call.'). Using it intransitively like 'wait': *'We await for the bus.' (Correct: 'We await the bus' or 'We wait for the bus.')
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'await' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Await' is transitive and more formal/literary. 'Wait for' is phrasal, less formal, and more common in spoken English. You 'await something' but 'wait for something/someone'.
It is grammatically possible but often sounds stilted. In natural English, the simple form ('I await') or 'wait for' is preferred: 'I am waiting for' is more common than 'I am awaiting'.
No. 'Await' is neutral. It can be used for positive (a reward awaits), negative (disaster awaits), or neutral (a reply awaits) outcomes.
No, it is rare in casual speech. It is primarily used in formal writing, legal contexts, business correspondence, and literature. In conversation, 'wait for' is the standard choice.
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