wait on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To serve someone, especially by attending to their needs or requests: This is the primary meaning, indicating the action of working for someone as a servant or attendant, or providing service in a formal setting like a restaurant or shop.
- To be in attendance upon: To act as an attendant or companion to someone, often implying care or assistance.
Usage
- The verb "wait on" is used with a direct object (the person or group being served).
- It is commonly used in service industries (e.g., restaurants, retail) and in contexts of personal service or attendance.
- It is a transitive phrasal verb.
Examples
- Verb:
- The butler would wait on the family during formal dinners.
- "Are you being waited on?" the shop assistant asked.
- She had to wait on her younger siblings while their parents were away.
Advanced Usage
- "wait on someone hand and foot": To serve someone with extreme attentiveness, doing everything for them.
- After his surgery, his family waited on him hand and foot.
Variants and Related Words
- Wait (verb): To stay in place in expectation of something. (Note: This is the base verb but has a distinct meaning from the phrasal verb "wait on").
- Server (noun): A person who serves food and drink; a waiter or waitress.
- Attendant (noun): A person employed to provide a service to the public or to assist someone.
Synonyms
- Serve: To perform duties or services for another person or an organization.
- Attend to: To deal with or take care of someone or something.
- Assist: To help or provide service.
Phrasal Verbs
- Wait on is itself a phrasal verb. Its meaning is distinct from the verb "wait" alone.
- Compare: "Please wait here" (stay) vs. "Please wait on this table" (serve).
Related Idioms
- Wait on tables: To work as a waiter or waitress.
- She worked her way through college by waiting on tables.
Verb
- work for or be a servant to
- May I serve you?
- She attends the old lady in the wheelchair
- Can you wait on our table, please?
- Is a salesperson assisting you?
- The minister served the King for many years