French word

attente

Pronunciation

IPA/atɑ̃t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwait

Example

Il y a une longue attente au guichet.

There is a long wait at the counter.

Illustration for attente (wait)

More examples

La salle d'attente est pleine ce matin.

The waiting room is full this morning.

Core concept

A pause during which someone stays ready for a turn, service, or expected event.

Common phrases

  • une longue attente

    a long wait

  • salle d'attente

    waiting room

  • temps d'attente

    waiting time

Similar words

temps d'attente: The length of time spent waiting during a service or procedure.
file d'attente: A line of people or things waiting their turn.
retard: A delay beyond the scheduled arrival or starting time.
salle d'attente: A room or area where people wait.

Definition in French

Durée pendant laquelle on attend quelque chose, ou état d'une personne en attente.

Word origin

The noun attente developed from Old French atente, related to attendre and ultimately to Latin attendere, 'to direct toward'.

Usage tips

  • Temps d'attente means 'wait time', while mettre quelqu'un en attente means 'to put someone on hold'.

Other meanings

  • expectationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word