await
UK[əˈweɪt]US[əˈweɪt]
v
To wait for or be in store for someone or something.
v
To be ready or available for someone or something.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
wait
a
to, at
wait
to watch, to stay
Etymology
The word 'await' is a native English formation, combining the Old English directional prefix 'a-' with the verb 'wait', which entered English from Old North French. The French term itself has Germanic roots, relating to the concept of watching or guarding. Thus, the literal sense of 'await' is "to be in a state of watchful expectation directed at something." Over time, the specific notion of vigilant watching softened into the more general modern meaning of expecting or being in store for an event.
Analysis
Structure: a (to, at) + wait (to watch, to stay)
- a: A prefix of Old English origin, from the preposition 'on' or 'an', meaning "to," "at," "in," or "on." It functions as an intensifier or directional marker.
- wait: A verb of Old North French origin (from Old French 'waitier', 'guaiter'), meaning "to watch, to lie in wait for." Its ultimate origin is Germanic, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to watch, guard."
Examples
We eagerly await the results of the competition.
A warm welcome awaits all our guests upon arrival.
Several important tasks await your attention on the desk.