待つ
To stay in one place or delay doing something until a particular time or event.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 'wait'. It means you stop and stay in one place for a short time. You do this when you are expecting something. For example, you wait for your mom. You wait for the green light to cross the street. You wait for your food at a restaurant. It is like stopping for a little bit until something happens. You can say: 'I wait.' or 'Please wait.' It is a very useful word for everyday life. You use it when you are not moving or doing something else because you are expecting something to come or happen soon. Think of waiting for a friend to arrive – you just stay there and wait!
Hi there! Let's talk about the word 'wait'. It's a verb that means to stay somewhere or delay doing something until a particular time or until something happens. For instance, you might wait for a bus at the bus stop, or you might wait for your friend to finish their work. It’s about pausing your activity because you are expecting something.
We often use 'wait' with the word 'for'. For example, 'I am waiting for my sister.' or 'We have to wait for the train.' You can also use it as a simple command: 'Wait here, please!' It’s a very common word used when you need to be patient for a short period. Think about waiting for a webpage to load – you just pause and wait for it to appear.
Let's explore the verb 'wait'. It signifies the act of staying in a place or delaying an action until a specific moment or event occurs. This is a fundamental concept in managing time and expectations. For example, you might wait in line at the supermarket, or wait for a reply to an important email. It implies a period of anticipation.
Commonly, 'wait' is followed by 'for' to indicate what or who is being expected: 'I'm waiting for my package to arrive.' or 'She had to wait for the doctor's appointment.' It can also be used to express eagerness, as in 'I can't wait for the holidays!' In a more formal context, it might suggest a more significant or strategic delay. Understanding 'wait' helps you describe situations involving patience and expectation effectively.
The verb 'wait' is a cornerstone of expressing temporal delays and expectations in English. Beyond its literal meaning of staying put until something happens, it carries nuances of patience, anticipation, and sometimes even resignation. For instance, 'He decided to wait out the economic downturn' implies enduring a period of difficulty.
Collocations are key: 'Wait up' means staying awake for someone, while 'lie in wait' suggests a more strategic, often covert, form of waiting. The expression 'wait and see' advises a cautious approach. Understanding the register is also important; while 'wait' is generally neutral, its context can imply formality or informality. For example, 'The committee will wait for further data before making a decision' sounds more formal than 'Just wait a sec!'. Mastering 'wait' involves appreciating these subtle shades of meaning and usage.
Delving deeper into 'wait', we find its usage extends beyond simple temporal pauses. It can be employed metaphorically to describe periods of suspense or anticipation in abstract contexts. For example, 'The world seemed to wait with bated breath for the outcome.' Here, 'wait' personifies a collective state of intense expectation.
Figurative uses also abound. 'Don't wait for inspiration to strike; go and get it' suggests proactive effort rather than passive anticipation. The phrase 'wait on someone hand and foot' is an idiom signifying excessive service, highlighting the potential burden or luxury associated with waiting. Furthermore, understanding the etymological link to 'watch' or 'guard' can illuminate its use in contexts implying vigilance or strategic positioning, such as 'The detective chose to wait and observe.' Appreciating these layers enriches one's command of the word.
At the C2 level, the verb 'wait' reveals its profound connection to concepts of time, destiny, and human experience. Its etymological roots in 'watching' and 'guarding' resurface in sophisticated contexts, suggesting not merely a passive pause but an active, often strategic, state of readiness. Consider its use in literature: 'He had waited a lifetime for this moment,' implying a profound, almost fated, culmination.
The word's semantic field encompasses existential themes. 'Waiting' can symbolize the human condition – a constant state of anticipation for future events, meaning, or resolution. Idiomatic expressions like 'wait for Godot' (referencing Beckett's play) have entered the lexicon to describe futile or endlessly deferred expectation. Advanced usage might involve subtle distinctions, such as the difference between 'waiting for' (anticipating) and 'awaiting' (often implying a more formal or significant expectation). Mastery involves recognizing 'wait' not just as a verb of temporal delay, but as a lens through which to view patience, hope, uncertainty, and the very fabric of time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Verb meaning to stay or delay until something happens.
- Often used with 'for' (wait for someone/something).
- Common idioms include 'can't wait', 'wait and see', 'wait up'.
- Regular verb: wait, waited, waited.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 'wait'. It's a super common verb that describes the action of staying put or delaying something until a specific moment or event. Think about all the times you've had to wait – waiting for a friend, waiting for a download to finish, or even waiting for your turn in a game. It's all about pausing and anticipating what's next.
The core idea of 'wait' is about the passage of time before something happens. It can be a passive experience, like sitting on a bench, or an active one, like waiting for a kettle to boil while keeping an eye on it. The feeling associated with waiting can vary a lot, from excitement and anticipation to boredom or even anxiety, depending on what you're waiting for.
Understanding 'wait' is key to navigating everyday life and conversations. It's used in countless situations, from simple requests like 'Can you wait a minute?' to more complex scenarios involving planning and patience. So, let's explore how this simple word plays a big role in how we communicate and experience time!
The word 'wait' has a fascinating journey through history! It comes to us from Old North French, specifically from the word 'waitier', which meant 'to watch' or 'to lie in wait'. This, in turn, comes from a Frankish word, '*wahta', meaning 'guard' or 'watch'. You can see the connection to modern words like 'watch' and 'ward'!
Interestingly, the original sense was more active – 'to lie in wait' often implied a sense of ambush or surveillance. Over time, the meaning softened and broadened to include the more general sense of staying put and expecting something. Think about a sentinel who 'waits' at their post; they are actively watching and expecting, which bridges the gap to our modern understanding.
The evolution shows how language adapts. From a specific, often strategic, act of watching for a purpose, 'wait' became the go-to word for any period of delay or anticipation. It's a great example of how words can shift their meaning while retaining echoes of their past. It's like the word itself has been patiently waiting to evolve into what it is today!
The verb 'wait' is incredibly versatile and pops up in so many everyday situations. You'll often hear it used with prepositions like 'for' and 'on'. For example, 'I'm waiting for the bus' or 'Please wait on me hand and foot' (though this last one is more figurative!).
When talking about people, we say 'I'll wait for you'. When talking about things or events, it's also 'for': 'We're waiting for the results'. You can also 'wait out' a storm, meaning to endure it until it passes. Sometimes, 'wait' is used intransitively, especially in commands: 'Just wait!' meaning 'Hold on a moment!'
In more formal settings, 'wait' can imply a more significant delay or a period of careful consideration. However, in casual conversation, it's used for almost any kind of pause. Think about common phrases like 'Don't make me wait', 'I can't wait!' (expressing eagerness), or 'Wait and see'. The register, or level of formality, is generally neutral, making 'wait' suitable for almost any context.
The word 'wait' is a star player in many colorful idioms and expressions. These phrases add a lot of flavor to English!
- Wait and see: This means to delay making a decision or taking action until you know more about the situation. Example: 'Should we invest now? Let's just wait and see.'
- Can't wait: Used to express strong eagerness or excitement about something that is going to happen. Example: 'My birthday is next week, I can't wait!'
- Bated breath: To wait with great excitement or anxiety. Example: 'The audience waited with bated breath for the winner announcement.'
- Lie in wait: To hide and wait for someone, usually with the intention to surprise or attack them. Example: 'The police knew the suspect was lying in wait.'
- Wait on someone (hand and foot): To serve someone very attentively, doing everything they ask. Example: 'After her surgery, her family waited on her hand and foot.'
- Wait up: To stay awake until someone arrives home or returns. Example: 'Don't wait up for me, I'll be back late.'
These expressions show how 'wait' can convey a range of emotions and intentions, from simple patience to intense anticipation or even strategic planning.
Let's break down the grammar and sound of 'wait'. As a verb, 'wait' is pretty straightforward. It's a regular verb, so its past tense is formed by adding '-ed', making it 'waited', and the past participle is also 'waited'. For example: 'She waited patiently.' 'We have waited for hours.'
Pronunciation-wise, 'wait' is a single-syllable word. In both British English (RP) and American English, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription is /weɪt/. The vowel sound is a diphthong, starting like the 'a' in 'say' and gliding towards the 'ee' in 'see'. The final sound is a clear 't'. So, it sounds like 'wayt'.
Common pronunciation pitfalls can include not fully articulating the final 't' sound, especially in fast speech, or mispronouncing the diphthong. Try to make sure the sound flows smoothly from the 'w' to the 'ei' and ends crisply with the 't'. Rhyming words include 'late', 'gate', 'state', 'great', and 'eight'. Practice saying 'wait' clearly and distinctly!
Fun Fact
The original meaning of 'wait' was more active, implying vigilance or even ambush, similar to 'watch out!'
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'wayt', with the vowel sound similar to the 'a' in 'say'.
Identical to British pronunciation; rhymes with 'late'.
Common Errors
- Not pronouncing the final 't' sound clearly.
- Mispronouncing the diphthong /eɪ/ (e.g., saying 'wet' instead of 'wait').
- Adding an extra syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in simple contexts, but nuances appear at higher levels.
Straightforward for basic use, requires attention to prepositions and idioms for accuracy.
Very common in speech, easy to use in basic sentences.
Easily recognizable in most contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Present Continuous Tense
I <strong>am waiting</strong> for the bus.
Phrasal Verbs
We decided to <strong>wait out</strong> the storm.
Prepositions with Verbs
He waited <strong>for</strong> hours.
Examples by Level
I wait for the bus.
I / wait / for / the / bus
Subject + wait + for + noun.
Please wait here.
Please / wait / here
Imperative verb 'wait'.
Wait for mom.
Wait / for / mom
Verb + preposition + noun.
I wait for food.
I / wait / for / food
Simple present tense.
Wait, please.
Wait / please
Polite request.
We wait.
We / wait
Subject + verb.
Wait for me.
Wait / for / me
Prepositional phrase 'for me'.
I wait for school.
I / wait / for / school
Expressing anticipation.
I am waiting for my friend.
I / am / waiting / for / my / friend
Present continuous tense.
Can you wait a moment?
Can / you / wait / a / moment?
Modal verb 'can' + verb.
We waited for the train.
We / waited / for / the / train
Past simple tense.
Don't wait for me if I'm late.
Don't / wait / for / me / if / I'm / late
Negative imperative.
She is waiting to start the game.
She / is / waiting / to / start / the / game
Verb + infinitive 'to start'.
He had to wait in line.
He / had / to / wait / in / line
Modal expression 'had to'.
I can't wait for the holidays!
I / can't / wait / for / the / holidays!
Expressing eagerness.
They are waiting outside.
They / are / waiting / outside
Present continuous tense, adverb of place.
We've been waiting for the results all day.
We / have / been / waiting / for / the / results / all / day
Present perfect continuous tense.
Could you wait here while I park the car?
Could / you / wait / here / while / I / park / the / car?
Polite request using 'Could you'.
I'll wait on you hand and foot if you help me.
I / will / wait / on / you / hand / and / foot / if / you / help / me
Idiomatic expression 'wait on hand and foot'.
They decided to wait out the storm.
They / decided / to / wait / out / the / storm
Phrasal verb 'wait out'.
Please wait your turn; everyone gets a chance.
Please / wait / your / turn; / everyone / gets / a / chance
Implied meaning of fairness.
I can't wait to see the new movie!
I / can't / wait / to / see / the / new / movie!
Expressing strong anticipation.
He's been waiting for this promotion for years.
He / has / been / waiting / for / this / promotion / for / years
Present perfect continuous tense.
We'll have to wait and see what happens.
We / will / have / to / wait / and / see / what / happens
Idiomatic phrase 'wait and see'.
The delegation is awaiting your final decision.
The / delegation / is / awaiting / your / final / decision
'Awaiting' is a more formal synonym for 'waiting for'.
He advised them to wait and see how the situation developed.
He / advised / them / to / wait / and / see / how / the / situation / developed
Idiom: 'wait and see'.
She waited up all night for her son to return.
She / waited / up / all / night / for / her / son / to / return
Phrasal verb: 'wait up'.
They lay in wait for the thieves to appear.
They / lay / in / wait / for / the / thieves / to / appear
Idiom: 'lie in wait'.
I'm not prepared to wait indefinitely for an answer.
I / am / not / prepared / to / wait / indefinitely / for / an / answer
Expressing impatience with prolonged waiting.
The whole country seemed to wait with bated breath.
The / whole / country / seemed / to / wait / with / bated / breath
Idiom: 'wait with bated breath'.
We'll have to wait and see if the changes are effective.
We / will / have / to / wait / and / see / if / the / changes / are / effective
Common phrase for uncertainty.
He waited on his guests attentively throughout the evening.
He / waited / on / his / guests / attentively / throughout / the / evening
Formal usage of 'wait on' (serve).
The audience waited with bated breath for the final reveal.
The / audience / waited / with / bated / breath / for / the / final / reveal
Idiom conveying suspense and anticipation.
He chose to wait out the political turmoil rather than flee.
He / chose / to / wait / out / the / political / turmoil / rather / than / flee
Phrasal verb implying endurance through a difficult period.
She felt she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
She / felt / she / was / waiting / for / the / other / shoe / to / drop
Idiom expressing anxious anticipation of bad news.
The committee will wait upon further evidence before making a judgment.
The / committee / will / wait / upon / further / evidence / before / making / a / judgment
Formal register, 'wait upon' implies formal attendance or consideration.
We can't just wait for inspiration; we must actively seek it.
We / can't / just / wait / for / inspiration; / we / must / actively / seek / it
Metaphorical use, contrasting passive vs. active approach.
He spent years waiting to be recognized for his contributions.
He / spent / years / waiting / to / be / recognized / for / his / contributions
Expressing long-term, often unfulfilled, anticipation.
The entire nation held its breath, waiting for news of the rescue.
The / entire / nation / held / its / breath, / waiting / for / news / of / the / rescue
Figurative use emphasizing collective suspense.
She had to wait out her sentence before she could appeal.
She / had / to / wait / out / her / sentence / before / she / could / appeal
Meaning to serve a period of time until it is over.
He had waited a lifetime for this vindication.
He / had / waited / a / lifetime / for / this / vindication
Emphasizes profound, long-term anticipation and its fulfillment.
The play captures the existential angst of waiting for Godot.
The / play / captures / the / existential / angst / of / waiting / for / Godot
Literary reference to futile, unending anticipation.
We must not simply wait for change; we must engineer it.
We / must / not / simply / wait / for / change; / we / must / engineer / it
Contrasting passive waiting with active creation.
Her patience wore thin as she waited out the protracted negotiations.
Her / patience / wore / thin / as / she / waited / out / the / protracted / negotiations
Implies enduring a lengthy, tedious process.
The entire community waited with collective apprehension for the verdict.
The / entire / community / waited / with / collective / apprehension / for / the / verdict
Highlights shared, anxious expectation.
He felt trapped in a Sisyphean task, forever waiting for the boulder to roll back.
He / felt / trapped / in / a / Sisyphean / task, / forever / waiting / for / the / boulder / to / roll / back
Metaphor for a futile, endlessly repeating effort.
The diplomat was instructed to await further instructions before acting.
The / diplomat / was / instructed / to / await / further / instructions / before / acting
'Await' used in a formal, official context, similar to 'wait for'.
She had to wait out her sentence, a period of enforced idleness.
She / had / to / wait / out / her / sentence, / a / period / of / enforced / idleness
Emphasizes the passive endurance of a fixed term.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"wait and see"
To delay making a decision or taking action until you know more about the situation.
Should we buy the tickets now? Let's wait and see if the price drops.
neutral"can't wait"
To be very excited or eager about something.
I can't wait to go on vacation!
casual"wait up"
To stay awake until someone arrives home.
Please don't wait up for me, I'll be very late.
casual"lie in wait"
To hide and wait for someone, usually to surprise or attack them.
The hunters lay in wait for the deer.
neutral"wait on someone (hand and foot)"
To serve someone very attentively, doing everything they ask.
After his injury, his family waited on him hand and foot.
neutral"wait with bated breath"
To wait with great excitement, anxiety, or anticipation.
The crowd waited with bated breath for the results.
formal/literaryEasily Confused
Both relate to future events.
'Expect' means to believe something will happen. 'Wait' means to stay put until it does. You can 'expect' rain but 'wait' indoors.
I <strong>expect</strong> him soon. (I believe he will arrive soon). I am <strong>waiting</strong> for him. (I am staying here until he arrives).
Both involve not moving.
'Stay' means to remain in a place. 'Wait' implies staying *until* something specific happens. You can 'stay' at home all day, but you 'wait' for the pizza delivery.
Please <strong>stay</strong> here. (Remain in this location). Please <strong>wait</strong> here for the taxi. (Remain until the taxi arrives).
Both involve time passing before something happens.
'Delay' is often a noun referring to the time lost, or a verb meaning to cause something to happen later. 'Wait' is the action of enduring that delay.
The flight <strong>delay</strong> caused us to <strong>wait</strong> for two hours.
Very similar meaning.
'Await' is more formal and literary than 'wait'. It's often used in writing and implies waiting for something important or significant.
We <strong>await</strong> your prompt response. (Formal). Let's <strong>wait</strong> for the results. (Common).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + wait + for + object
I am waiting for my sister.
Subject + wait + to + infinitive
She is waiting to start her new job.
Imperative: Wait + adverb/prepositional phrase
Wait here. Wait in line.
Subject + wait + object + prepositional phrase
He waited for his friend at the station.
Subject + wait + out + object
They decided to wait out the bad weather.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The verb 'wait' typically requires the preposition 'for' when specifying what or who is being awaited.
'Expect' focuses on the belief something will happen, while 'wait' focuses on the action of staying put until it does.
While you might 'wait' for someone to finish, 'expect' is used for obligations or requirements.
'Wait' is a regular verb; the past tense is formed by adding '-ed', not by changing the word.
'Wait' implies anticipation of something specific; 'stay' or 'remain' simply means to not move or leave.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant clock where the hands are stuck. You are forced to stand still and 'wait' because time itself has stopped!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 'wait' constantly for everyday delays: 'Wait a sec!', 'I'm waiting for you!', 'Can't wait for the weekend!'. Notice the casual use of 'wait a sec'.
Cultural Insight
In cultures that value efficiency, long 'wait times' can be a major frustration. Think about queues in shops or waiting rooms.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'wait' usually needs 'for' when you say *what* you're waiting for. 'Wait for the train.' 'Wait for me.' Exceptions are commands like 'Wait!' or 'Wait here.'
Say It Right
Focus on the 'ei' sound (/eɪ/) like in 'say' and make sure to clearly pronounce the final 't'. Practice saying 'wait', 'late', 'gate' to get the vowel sound right.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid saying 'I'm waiting the bus.' Remember to add 'for': 'I'm waiting <strong>for</strong> the bus.'
Did You Know?
The word 'waiter' literally comes from someone who 'waits' on tables!
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 'wait' on one side and different scenarios (waiting for a bus, waiting for a friend, waiting for news) on the other. Say the sentence aloud.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'weight' (sounds like wait) on your shoulders making you unable to move until something happens.
Visual Association
Picture yourself standing still, looking at a clock, with the word 'WAIT' written on the clock face.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'wait' in five different sentences today, describing different scenarios.
Word Origin
Old North French
Original meaning: To watch, to lie in wait (from Frankish '*wahta': guard, watch)
Cultural Context
While generally neutral, excessive or unreasonable waiting can cause frustration. In customer service, managing 'wait times' is crucial.
In English-speaking cultures, patience is often valued, and 'waiting' is a common part of daily life, from queues to appointments. Phrases like 'good things come to those who wait' reflect this.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a restaurant
- Can we have a table for two?
- We're ready to order.
- Could you wait a moment, please?
At the doctor's office
- I have an appointment at 3 PM.
- How long is the wait?
- Please wait in the waiting room.
Waiting for transportation
- Is the bus/train on time?
- I'm waiting for the number 10 bus.
- How long do I have to wait?
Online shopping
- When will my order arrive?
- I'm waiting for my package.
- The delivery is taking longer than expected.
Conversation Starters
"What's the longest you've ever had to wait for something?"
"Do you prefer waiting in line or waiting online?"
"What's something you just can't wait for?"
"How do you usually pass the time when you're waiting?"
"Is there anything you're willing to wait a long time for?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to be very patient while waiting for something important.
Write about a situation where waiting felt like it took forever. How did you feel?
What are you currently waiting for in your life? How does this anticipation affect you?
Reflect on the difference between 'waiting for' something good and 'waiting out' something bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions'Await' is more formal and often used in writing. It means to wait for something significant or expected. 'Wait' is more common in everyday speech and can be used in almost any situation.
Usually, yes, when you are specifying what you are waiting for (e.g., 'wait for the bus'). However, you can use 'wait' alone as a command ('Just wait!') or with adverbs ('wait here').
It means you are very excited and eager for something to happen. It doesn't mean you are literally unable to wait.
'Wait up' means to stay awake until someone arrives home, usually late at night. Example: 'Don't wait up for me.'
'Wait' is a regular verb. Its past tense is 'waited' and its past participle is also 'waited'.
'Expect' means you believe something will happen. 'Wait' means you stay put until it happens. You can expect something but not wait for it, or wait for something you don't expect.
Yes, 'wait' can be a noun, meaning a period of waiting. For example, 'The wait was too long.'
To 'wait out' something (like a storm or a difficult period) means to stay in a safe place and endure it until it passes.
Test Yourself
Please ____ here for me.
The sentence asks someone to stay in one place until the speaker returns.
Which sentence means you are very excited about something?
'Can't wait' is an expression used to show strong eagerness.
If you 'wait out' a storm, it means you go outside into the storm.
'Wait out' means to stay inside or in a safe place until the storm is over.
Word
Meaning
These are common idioms involving the word 'wait'.
The correct sentence structure is 'Subject + verb + preposition + object'.
The audience listened with ____ breath for the announcement.
'Bated breath' is an idiom meaning to wait with great anticipation or anxiety.
Which word is a more formal synonym for 'waiting for' in certain contexts?
'Await' is often used in formal writing or speech for significant expectations.
The phrase 'waiting for Godot' refers to a situation where one expects something to happen very soon.
It refers to a state of futile, endless, or uncertain waiting for something that may never arrive.
He felt trapped in a ____ task, forever waiting for the boulder to roll back.
'Sisyphean task' refers to a futile, endlessly repeating effort, often involving waiting.
This is a simple command structure.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'wait' involves understanding its core meaning of temporal delay and its rich tapestry of idiomatic and contextual uses.
- Verb meaning to stay or delay until something happens.
- Often used with 'for' (wait for someone/something).
- Common idioms include 'can't wait', 'wait and see', 'wait up'.
- Regular verb: wait, waited, waited.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant clock where the hands are stuck. You are forced to stand still and 'wait' because time itself has stopped!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 'wait' constantly for everyday delays: 'Wait a sec!', 'I'm waiting for you!', 'Can't wait for the weekend!'. Notice the casual use of 'wait a sec'.
Cultural Insight
In cultures that value efficiency, long 'wait times' can be a major frustration. Think about queues in shops or waiting rooms.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'wait' usually needs 'for' when you say *what* you're waiting for. 'Wait for the train.' 'Wait for me.' Exceptions are commands like 'Wait!' or 'Wait here.'
Example
バスを待ちます。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
