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Waft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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waft

[wɔːft ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

air movement

To waft means to carry or convey something lightly through the air, often in the context of scents or sounds. It can also refer to the act of sending or passing something gently, as in 'wafting a fragrance'.

Synonyms

carry, drift, float.

Examples of usage

  • The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the bakery.
  • She waved her hand to waft away the smoke.
  • The soft music wafted across the garden.
Context #2 | Noun

movement of air

A waft is a gentle movement of air or a light breeze that carries smells or sounds. It can refer to an instance of this action, such as a waft of perfume.

Synonyms

breeze, draft, whiff.

Examples of usage

  • A waft of jasmine filled the room.
  • There was a waft of laughter in the distance.
  • She caught a waft of citrus as he peeled the orange.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Wafting often describes how odors spread through the air, aided by warmer temperatures and wind.
  • When cooking, wafting scents can influence appetite and mood through olfactory senses.
  • Many animals, including dogs, use wafting scents to track food or navigate their environment.

Literature

  • In poetry, wafting images often evoke serene or nostalgic feelings, drawing readers into the sensory experience.
  • Writers frequently use wafting as a literary device to depict emotions or memories associated with scents.
  • Classic novels often describe characters' experiences of wafting fragrances to enhance atmosphere or mood.

Cultural Significance

  • In different cultures, wafting incense is used during rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing the presence of the divine.
  • Sandwich shops and bakeries often rely on wafting aromas to attract customers and create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Different countries have unique 'wafting' customs, such as the wafting of tea or spices in culinary traditions.

Music

  • In music, the notion of 'wafting' can refer to the gentle floating of melodies or harmonies that linger in the air.
  • Some experimental music focuses on sounds that waft effortlessly between silence and noise, creating an immersive experience.
  • Wafting can describe how sound travels and is shaped by the environment, influencing acoustic design in concert halls.

Origin of 'waft'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Old English word 'waftian', meaning 'to wave' or 'to float'.
  • The word has been used in the English language since at least the 15th century.
  • Related words include 'waftage', which describes the act of wafting.

The word 'waft' originated around the early 16th century, deriving from the Middle English word 'waften', which means 'to blow or to send forth'. Its roots can also be traced back to Old Norse, where 'vaftr' means 'to wave' or 'to wrap around'. Initially, it primarily referred to the act of sweeping or blowing gently. Over time, the definition expanded to encompass the idea of carrying light things through the air, especially scents. In contemporary usage, 'waft' is commonly associated with pleasant smells, such as those from food or flowers, and more broadly represents any gentle movement of air that conveys an essence. Its charm lies in the soft, ethereal quality it evokes, making it a popular choice in literature and everyday speech.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,529, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.