Waive vs Wave
What’s the difference between them?
Waive
Meaning:
to voluntarily give up (a known right, claim, or privilege).
Examples:
1. The teacher decided to waive the fee for the class.
2. We waived the right to a jury trial.
3. The company waived their policy and gave us a refund.
Wave
Meaning:
a wave is a moving disturbance or oscillation that travels through space and matter in the form of an energy.
Examples:
1. The surfer rode the wave all the way to the shore.
2. I waved to him as he drove away.
3. The crowd cheered and waved their flags in celebration.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Waive
1. Forgo
2. Abstain
3. Relinquish
4. Dispense with
5. Surrender
1. Uphold
2. Enforce
3. Persist
4. Maintain
5. Insist on Compliance
Wave
1. Surge
2. Undulate
3. Swell
4. Crest
5. Rise and fall
1. Standstill
2. Anchor
3. Retreat
4. Remain Stationary
5. Discontinue
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Waive", "Wave".
1. To waive is to give up a right or a privilege.
2. To wave is to goodbye to a friend.
3. Use mnemonics: 'Waive the fee, wave the flag.'
4. Waive is a verb meaning to give up or surrender a right or privilege.
5. Wave is a verb meaning to move one's hands in a gesture of greeting, farewell, or recognition.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'waive' typically refers to forgoing a right or privilege, usually voluntarily. It is often used in legal contexts to indicate that a party has given up their right to a challenge or that a document has been accepted without requiring a signature.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'wave' usually refers to a gesture made with the hand, or the motion of a hand in a greeting or a farewell. It is also used to describe the motion of the ocean tide, or the undulation that moves through an object or material.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, these words have similar pronunciation, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make with these words is confusing them in speech. People also commonly misuse the words, such as using 'wave' to mean forgoing a right or privilege. Similarly, people sometimes use 'waive' when they mean to gesture with their hand.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. He _______ his arm to say goodbye as the train left the station.
2. It was a sign of surrender as he _______ the white flag.
3. She _______ goodbye with her hand as her friend drove away.
4. I _______ the fee for the rental car as I had an AAA membership.
5. The crowd _______ to the celebrity as they passed by.
6. The judge _______ the charges against him due to insufficient evidence.
1. He waved his arm to say goodbye as the train left the station.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waved, meaning to move ones hand or arm from side to side, often as a way to say goodbye, hello, or goodbye.
2. It was a sign of surrender as he waived the white flag.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waived, meaning to give up ones right to something voluntarily or to officially not enforce a law or rule. In this case, it is a sign of surrender as the person waived the white flag.
3. She waved goodbye with her hand as her friend drove away.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waved, meaning to move ones hand or arm from side to side, often as a way to say goodbye, hello, or goodbye.
4. I waived the fee for the rental car as I had an AAA membership.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waived, meaning to give up ones right to something voluntarily or to officially not enforce a law or rule. In this case, the fee for the rental car was waived because of the AAA membership.
5. The crowd waved to the celebrity as they passed by.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waved, meaning to move ones hand or arm from side to side, often as a way to say goodbye, hello, or goodbye.
6. The judge waived the charges against him due to insufficient evidence.
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is waived, meaning to give up ones right to something voluntarily or to officially not enforce a law or rule. In this case, the judge waived the charges against him due to lack of sufficient evidence.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.