Definition of the word wait around

The phrase "wait around" is a contemporary English expression that represents the action of lingering or staying in a particular place, without any immediate activity or purpose, in the expectation of something else happening or being met with. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Old English word "wiētan," which meant "to remain, watch, or wait." This word evolved over time, and during the Middle English period, it transformed into "witen" which meant "to be aware of, know, or observe." As the English language evolved further, the word "wait" began to be used independently to denote the act of remaining or staying in anticipation of something. This usage became prominent during the 16th century, and by the mid-17th century, the phrase "wait around" started to emerge as a more extended version of "wait." Today, "wait around" is a conversational expression that is commonly used in casual language to indicate a passive anticipation of an event or outcome, while "wait" serves to depict a more formal and succinct form of the same meaning. The term "around" in the expression could signify a broader time frame or space that encompasses various conditions for possible events to happen.