What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bide
Example
I will bide my time and wait for the right opportunity to come. [bide: verb]
Example
She decided to bide her time and wait for the storm to pass. [biding: gerund or present participle]
wait
Example
Please wait here until I come back. [wait: verb]
Example
I can't wait to see you again! [waiting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wait is more commonly used than bide in everyday language. Wait is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bide is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bide and wait?
While wait is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, bide is less commonly used and may sound more formal or literary.
