verb · B2

Await

uh-WAYT/əˈweɪt/

To await is a formal wait for, especially something that will happen: await the results, a surprise awaits you. Wait for is the everyday phrasal verb you should use in speech. Await takes a direct object (await the train, not “await for the train”). Awaited is the adjective (the long-awaited report). In notices and news it is standard; in conversation it sounds stiff.

Meaning

To wait for something, especially something that will happen.

Examples

“We await the results of the exam.”
“We await the examiner’s report before we change the course.”
“Further details await students on the noticeboard.”

Good to know

Formal for wait for. await + noun (no for). Everyday: wait for. Adjective: long-awaited.

Near in meaning

wait for

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