bide
UK: baɪd | US: baɪd
vt. to wait patiently; endure
vt. (archaic) to remain or stay in a place
bide = bid<to stay, wait> + e (infinitive suffix)
- bid (Old English bīdan, meaning "to stay, wait, endure")
- e (a common infinitive suffix in Old English, no standalone meaning)
Etymology Origin:
The word "bide" traces back to Old English bīdan, meaning "to remain, wait, or endure." It shares roots with German beiden and Dutch bijden, all stemming from Proto-Germanic bīdaną. The core idea of "waiting" or "staying" persists in modern usage, though the word is now somewhat archaic or poetic. The infinitive suffix -e was typical in Old English but no longer carries independent meaning.
She chose to bide her time until the right opportunity arose.
The old man bided in the cottage, waiting for spring.
"Bide here while I fetch help," he said.
In fairy tales, heroes often bide in hidden places to avoid danger.
He bided his anger, refusing to react impulsively.