attendant

In a sentence

• En attendant l'autobus, il lisait un livre.

  While waiting for the bus, he was reading a book.

  Here, 'attendant' is used as a present participle to indicate an action happening at the same time as 'he was reading a book'.

• Les documents attendant d'être signés sont sur le bureau.

  The documents waiting to be signed are on the desk.

  In this case, 'attendant' functions as a participle to modify 'documents,' indicating a state of awaiting a condition.

• C'est un pompier exemplaire, toujours très attentif et attendant les ordres avant d'agir.

  He is an exemplary firefighter, always very attentive and waiting for orders before acting.

  Here, 'attendant' refers to someone who waits or is in anticipation of receiving further instruction.