expectō
The English phrase wait can be translated into Latin using several verbs, most commonly expectō. Wiktionary also lists exspectō and opperior.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| expectō | |
| exspectō | |
| opperior | [ɔpˈpɛ.ri.ɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [opˈpɛː.ri.or] (narrow) |
These verbs are used to describe delaying an action or an event until a specific time or occurrence. The related noun expectatio refers to a delay.
Which one should you use?
While all these terms relate to waiting, expectō is specifically used when the waiting involves an element of expectation or looking forward to an event.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb opperior is a deponent verb, meaning it has passive forms but an active meaning.
Did you know?
- The Latin verb expectō is a compound of ex meaning 'out' and spectō meaning 'to look'. It literally describes the act of 'looking out' for someone or something to arrive.
- The word expectatio is the ancestor of the English 'expectation'.
- The verb opperior is etymologically linked to experior, suggesting that to wait for something is closely tied to the idea of testing or experiencing it.
Examples in context
- Exspecta me in atrio.Wait for me in the hall.
- Licetne mihi in aula manere?May I wait in the hall?
- Exspecta, veniam mox.Wait, I'll be there soon.
- Siste! Noli procedere.Wait! Don't proceed.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are meeting at the forum.
- MarcusCur hīc adest, Aurelia?Why is he here, Aurelia?
- AureliaMarce, ēgredior ut eum videam.Marcus, I am going out to see him.
- MarcusEgo autem expectō uxōrem meam.But I am waiting for my wife.
- AureliaTunc mox veniet.Then she will come soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wait” translations and entries opperior, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries opperior, CC BY-SA 4.0.
