Definition

To wait longer than someone or something else, often to achieve a goal or to see what happens next.

Example

I decided to outwait the storm before heading out.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think we should just outwait the rain before heading out.

Yeah, it looks pretty heavy right now.

I know it’s annoying, but we’ll have more fun once it clears up.

Exactly! Sometimes patience really pays off.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Outwait → It is formed from "out-" (meaning beyond or outside) and "wait" (from Old English "wætan", meaning to remain in a place or to stay). The word "outwait" means to wait longer than someone else or to wait beyond a certain point.

Memory Tip

Think of waiting 'beyond' ('out-') a certain time — that's what outwait means.

Visually Confused Words