1. Definition of “Waited”
“Waited” is the past tense of the verb “wait.” It means to stay in one place or delay action until a particular time or event occurs. For example, “She waited for the bus at the bus stop.” Here, it shows the action of remaining in a specific location until the bus arrived.
2. Synonyms
- Awaited
- “Awaited” is very similar to “waited.” It also means to wait for something, but it often implies a more expectant or anticipatory feeling. For example, “The whole town awaited the arrival of the famous singer.” It gives a sense that people were looking forward to the event, more so than a simple act of passing time while waiting. “Awaited” can also be used in a more formal context, like “The results of the experiment were eagerly awaited by the scientific community.”
- Bided (one's time)
- “Bided” is the past tense of “bide.” The phrase “bide one's time” means to wait patiently for a good opportunity. For example, “The hunter bided his time, hidden in the bushes, until the deer came closer.” It emphasizes the idea of patience and the intention to take advantage of a favorable moment. This is different from a simple “waited” as it implies a strategic waiting with a purpose in mind.
- Lingered
- “Lingered” means to stay in a place longer than necessary or expected. For example, “After the party, he lingered at the door, hoping to talk to her one more time.” While “waited” is usually about waiting for a specific thing to happen, “lingered” focuses on the act of remaining in a place, often with a sense of reluctance to leave or with the hope of something else occurring. It can imply a more passive or aimless kind of waiting compared to a purpose - driven “waited.”
- Tarryed
- “Tarryed” is an old - fashioned word that means to delay or wait. For example, “The travelers tarried at the inn to rest before continuing their journey.” It has a more archaic and literary feel than “waited.” It can imply a more leisurely kind of waiting, perhaps with a break or a pause in the journey or activity, similar to “lingered” but with a more old - world charm.