Await Meaning
Await Definition & Usage
To wait for something or someone with a sense of expectation or patience.
Examples
- "She eagerly awaited the arrival of her old friend from abroad."
- "They were awaiting the announcement of the scholarship winners."
- "He patiently awaited his turn to speak in the meeting."
- "The children awaited the opening of the presents with wide eyes."
- "As the storm passed, they awaited the first sign of clear skies."
In programming, to pause the execution of a function until a specific condition or event is met.
Examples
- "The program will await a user input before continuing to the next step."
- "The system awaits a response from the server to display the results."
- "Make sure the function doesn’t proceed until it has awaited the data from the API."
- "The script will await the user’s confirmation before making any changes."
- "Once the file download completes, the process will await further instructions."
Cultural Context
The verb 'await' has been used in English since the Middle Ages, evolving from the Old French word 'awaiter'. It was originally associated with a more active form of waiting, often implying a sense of readiness or expectation. The term remains a formal alternative to 'wait' and is often used in contexts where a certain level of anticipation or importance is implied.
The Long Wait
Story
The Long Wait
Lena sat in the crowded café, her fingers tapping on the tabletop in time with the gentle hum of background music. She awaited her interview with the hiring manager, a meeting that could potentially change her life. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, marking every second that seemed to stretch longer than the last. Her resume had been impressive enough to get her this far, but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Across the room, a young couple awaited their food, their eyes locked in quiet conversation. Lena envied their calmness. She glanced around, her thoughts momentarily distracted by the clinking of plates and the low murmur of other patrons. But her mind quickly returned to the task at hand. What would the hiring manager think of her ideas? Would they agree with her vision? When her name was finally called, Lena stood up with a mix of nervousness and excitement. As she walked toward the interview room, she tried to calm the fluttering in her chest, reminding herself that she'd prepared for this moment. The waiting was over—now, it was time to show them what she could do. As the door closed behind her, she realized the wait had been the hardest part. Now, all she had to do was wait for the response, hoping her efforts had been enough.
Related Words
