Wave

To move one's hand or an object to and fro in a specified manner as a greeting, signal, or in a particular direction., A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore., A sudden occurrence or increase in a particular phenomenon, typically one that is temporary or irregular.

Wave - Meanings

To move one's hand or an object to and fro in a specified manner as a greeting, signal, or in a particular direction.

Example: She waved goodbye as the train pulled out of the station.

Usage: informalContext: farewells, greetings

Note: Common gesture used to say hello or goodbye

A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore.

Example: The waves crashed against the rocks.

Usage: formalContext: beach, ocean

Note: Commonly associated with the sea and coastal areas

A sudden occurrence or increase in a particular phenomenon, typically one that is temporary or irregular.

Example: There was a wave of protests across the country.

Usage: formalContext: societal movements, trends

Note: Used to describe a surge or sudden rise in something

Wave's synonyms

undulate

To move in a smooth, wavelike motion.

Example: The flag undulated in the wind.

Note: Undulate implies a more gentle and continuous motion compared to a wave.

ripple

A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.

Example: The pebble caused ripples in the water.

Note: Ripple is often used to describe smaller, more subtle waves compared to a wave.

swell

A large, rolling wave or series of waves.

Example: The ocean swell was powerful and majestic.

Note: Swell typically refers to larger and more powerful waves than the general term 'wave.'

surge

A sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or natural force.

Example: The surge of the tide carried the boat out to sea.

Note: Surge conveys a sense of sudden and forceful movement, different from the more regular motion of a wave.

Wave expressions, common phrases

Make waves

To cause a significant impact or stir up controversy.

Example: She made waves at the company by proposing a bold new strategy.

Note: The original word 'wave' refers to a physical movement of water or air, while 'make waves' is a figurative expression.

Wave goodbye

To gesture farewell by moving one's hand in a waving motion.

Example: He waved goodbye to his friends as he boarded the train.

Note: In this phrase, 'wave' is used in the context of bidding farewell rather than a physical movement of water or air.

Wave of emotions

A sudden and intense surge of feelings or emotions.

Example: After winning the championship, she was overcome by a wave of emotions.

Note: Here, 'wave' is used metaphorically to describe a strong emotional experience rather than a physical wave.

Wave of change

A significant and widespread shift or transformation in a particular area.

Example: The country experienced a wave of change after the new government took office.

Note: Similar to 'wave of emotions,' this phrase uses 'wave' to symbolize a sweeping change rather than a physical wave.

Wave the white flag

To surrender or admit defeat; to give up resistance.

Example: After hours of negotiation, they decided to wave the white flag and accept the terms.

Note: In this idiom, 'wave' is used to signify surrender by waving a white flag, rather than a literal waving motion.

Catch the wave

To take advantage of a trend or opportunity at the right moment.

Example: She was quick to catch the wave of interest in sustainable living and started her own eco-friendly business.

Note: Here, 'wave' represents a trend or movement that can be capitalized on, not a physical wave.

Wave of nostalgia

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

Example: Listening to that old song brought a wave of nostalgia for my high school days.

Note: In this expression, 'wave' conveys a surge of nostalgic feelings rather than a literal wave.

Wave everyday (slang) expressions

Wave (someone) off

To dismiss or ignore someone or something by waving one's hand or making a gesture, indicating that the person or thing is not needed or wanted.

Example: I tried to offer her some help, but she just waved me off.

Note: Differs from the literal act of waving in that it conveys a sense of rejection or disinterest.

Wave (something) in

To motion for someone or something to enter or come closer by waving a hand or making a gesture.

Example: The security guard waved me in after checking my ID.

Note: Differs from the usual meaning of 'wave' as a greeting or goodbye gesture by specifically indicating entrance or permission to move forward.

Wave (something) off

To disregard, ignore, or dismiss something without consideration.

Example: Don't wave off his suggestions so quickly; they might be worth considering.

Note: Differs from the literal act of waving in that it indicates a lack of attention or importance placed on the thing being waved off.

Wave (something) around

To move something back and forth in the air, often as a show-off gesture or to draw attention to it.

Example: He was waving his phone around to show off the new features.

Note: Differs from a regular wave as it implies a more exaggerated or deliberate movement to display or flaunt something.

Wave (something) over

To motion or signal for someone to come closer or toward oneself, typically by waving a hand or making a gesture.

Example: She waved the waiter over to ask for the bill.

Note: Differs from a simple wave as it involves a specific action to attract someone's attention and direct them to a location.

Wave the white towel

To surrender, give up, or admit defeat in a situation or conflict.

Example: After hours of negotiation, they finally waved the white towel and accepted the terms.

Note: Derived from the concept of waving a white flag as a symbol of surrender, it signifies a formal acknowledgment of defeat.

Wave (something) out

To gesture outwardly, often used to direct movement or action away from oneself.

Example: He waved his hand out, signaling for the taxi to stop.

Note: Differs from a traditional wave as it involves a specific directional gesture rather than a general greeting or goodbye motion.

Wave - Examples

The waves were crashing against the shore.

She gave a friendly wave to her neighbor.

The sound engineer added some wave effects to the music.

Wave grammar

Wave - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: wave

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): waves

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wave

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): waved

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): waving

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): waves

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): wave

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): wave

Syllabification and Stress

wave Contains 1 syllables: wave

Phonetic transcription: ˈwāv

wave , ˈwāv (The red syllable is stressed)

Wave - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

wave: ~ 1600 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Back

Search area