bide

[ bahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, bid·ed or bode; bid·ed or (Archaic) bid; bid·ing.

1. Archaic. to endure; bear.
2. Obsolete. to encounter.

verb (used without object)

, bid·ed or bode; bid·ed or (Archaic) bid; bid·ing.

1. to dwell; abide; wait; remain.

   Synonyms: tarry, linger, stay

bide

/ baɪd /

verb

1. archaic.
   intr to continue in a certain place or state; stay
2. archaic.
   intr to live; dwell
3. archaic.
   tr to tolerate; endure
4. bide a wee
   to stay a little
5. bide by
   to abide by
6. bide one's time
   to wait patiently for an opportunity

Other Words From

• bider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bide¹

before 900; Middle English biden, Old English bīdan; cognate with Old Frisian bīdia, Old Saxon bīdan, Old High German bītan, Old Norse bītha, Gothic beidan, Latin fīdere, Greek peíthesthai to trust, rely < Indo-European *bheidh-; the meaning apparently developed: have trust > endure > wait > abide > remain

Word History and Origins

Origin of bide¹

Old English bīdan ; related to Old Norse bītha to wait, Gothic beidan , Old High German bītan

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bide one's time, to wait for a favorable opportunity:

   He wanted to ask for a raise, but bided his time.

Example Sentences

I found that out myself - when you are out of favour, you have to bide your time, work hard in the background and wait for your opportunity.

From BBC

Travelers waiting for flights at Los Angeles International Airport can bide their time by having a meal, grabbing a drink, people watching — or, perhaps, reading a banned book.

From Los Angeles Times

After three seasons biding his time as a backup and a lifetime spent dreaming of being USC’s No. 1 quarterback, Miller Moss was officially named the Trojans’ starter on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

At a certain point he has to figure this out or be known as nothing more than a quarterback whisperer biding time until his next gig.

From Los Angeles Times

That could count in Mr Ramaphosa's favour, and his rivals may decide to bide their time, leaving him to spearhead efforts to form a new coalition government.

From BBC

Related Words

• dwell
• sit tight
• stick around