Dictionary
English - Dutch
Wait
weɪt
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
wachten, afwachten, vertragen, verwachten
Wait meanings in Dutch
wachten
Example:
I will wait for you at the station.
Ik zal op je wachten bij het station.
Please wait a moment.
Wacht alstublieft een moment.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when someone stays in one place or delays action until something happens.
Note: The verb 'wachten' is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
afwachten
Example:
Let's wait and see what happens.
Laten we afwachten wat er gebeurt.
You should wait for the results before deciding.
Je moet de resultaten afwachten voordat je beslist.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to indicate waiting for a specific outcome or decision.
Note: The term 'afwachten' often implies a sense of anticipation or patience regarding future events.
vertragen
Example:
We need to wait for the traffic to clear.
We moeten wachten tot het verkeer opklaart.
The project is delayed, so we have to wait.
Het project is vertraagd, dus we moeten wachten.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts where something is slowed down or postponed.
Note: While 'vertragen' can mean 'to delay', it is often used to refer to situations where waiting is necessary due to external factors.
verwachten
Example:
I expect her to wait for me.
Ik verwacht dat zij op me wacht.
He was waiting for the meeting to start.
Hij was aan het wachten tot de vergadering begon.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when someone anticipates an event or action.
Note: 'Verwachten' is more about expectation and can carry a nuance of hope or certainty in the wait.
Wait's synonyms
await
To wait for something or someone, usually with anticipation.
Example: We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our guests.
Note: Await is more formal and often implies a sense of expectation or excitement.
anticipate
To expect or look forward to something happening.
Example: I anticipate a long line at the ticket counter, so we should leave early.
Note: Anticipate can imply a sense of preparation or foresight in addition to waiting.
expect
To believe or assume that something will happen or be the case.
Example: I expect the report to be ready by tomorrow.
Note: Expect is often used when there is a specific outcome or result that is anticipated.
pause
To temporarily stop or delay an action or activity.
Example: Let's pause for a moment and reflect on what has been said.
Note: Pause implies a brief interruption rather than a prolonged period of waiting.
Wait expressions, common phrases
Wait for
To delay action until someone or something arrives or is ready.
Example: I have to wait for my friend before we can go to the movie.
Note: The phrase 'wait for' specifically indicates waiting for a person or thing.
Wait in line
To wait one's turn in a queue or line of people.
Example: We had to wait in line for over an hour to get tickets to the concert.
Note: This phrase specifies waiting in a line or queue.
Wait up
To stay awake or delay going to bed until someone arrives or something happens.
Example: Don't go to bed yet, wait up for me to get home.
Note: It implies staying awake or delaying bedtime for someone or something.
Wait and see
To wait patiently to find out what will happen or how a situation will develop.
Example: I'm not sure how it will turn out; we'll just have to wait and see.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the aspect of patience and uncertainty in waiting.
Wait it out
To endure a difficult or challenging situation by being patient and waiting for it to end.
Example: The storm will pass; we just need to wait it out inside.
Note: This phrase suggests enduring or being patient during a challenging situation.
Wait on
To serve someone by attending to their needs or desires, especially in a restaurant or store.
Example: The restaurant staff continued to wait on the customers even during busy hours.
Note: It indicates serving or attending to someone's needs.
Wait a minute
An expression used to ask for a short pause or delay in an activity or conversation.
Example: Wait a minute, I need to grab my keys before we leave.
Note: This phrase is a common way to ask for a brief delay in action.
Wait everyday (slang) expressions
Hold your horses
This slang term means to wait or be patient, often used to tell someone to slow down or wait a moment.
Example: Hold your horses! Let me finish talking before you interrupt.
Note: The original word 'wait' is replaced by 'hold your horses' to add emphasis and convey a sense of urgency or impatience.
Chill out
This term means to relax or calm down, often used to ask someone to be patient or wait calmly.
Example: Hey, chill out! I'll be ready in a few minutes.
Note: While 'wait' implies pausing for a specific purpose, 'chill out' focuses more on the emotional aspect of waiting by asking someone to stay calm or relaxed.
Hang on a sec
This slang phrase means to wait for a short period, typically used to delay briefly before moving on to the next action.
Example: Hang on a sec, I'll grab my keys and then we can go.
Note: Instead of simply saying 'wait,' 'hang on a sec' suggests a quick pause or delay before proceeding, indicating a short timeframe for waiting.
Cool your jets
This expression means to calm down or relax, often used to ask someone to be patient and wait calmly.
Example: Cool your jets! The bus will be here soon.
Note: Similar to 'chill out,' 'cool your jets' emphasizes the need to remain calm while waiting, but with a slightly more playful or informal tone.
Give it a minute
This phrase means to wait briefly, suggesting that a short amount of time is needed before proceeding.
Example: Just give it a minute, I'm almost ready to leave.
Note: Rather than using the word 'wait,' 'give it a minute' implies a sense of anticipation and expectation, highlighting the imminent completion of a task or action.
Not so fast
This term means to slow down or hold off on proceeding, often used to caution against rushing into something.
Example: Not so fast! We need to wait for everyone to arrive before we start.
Note: While 'wait' indicates a general pause, 'not so fast' specifically warns against acting too quickly or impulsively, urging restraint and patience.
Take a rain check
This idiom means to postpone or reschedule a plan, often used when someone cannot engage in an activity as planned but suggests doing it at another time.
Example: Can we take a rain check on dinner tonight? I'm not feeling well.
Note: Unlike a straightforward 'wait,' 'take a rain check' implies a temporary delay or postponement with the intention of revisiting the plan in the future.
Wait - Examples
Wait for me!
Wacht op mij!
I'm waiting for the bus.
Ik wacht op de bus.
Please don't make me wait too long.
Maak me alsjeblieft niet te lang aan het wachten.
Wait grammar
Wait - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: wait
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): waits, wait
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wait
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): waited
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): waiting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): waits
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): wait
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): wait
Syllables, Separation and Stress
wait Contains 1 syllables: wait
Phonetic transcription: ˈwāt
wait , ˈwāt (The red syllable is stressed)
Wait - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
wait: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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