Wafted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌬️
Add to dictionary

wafted

[ˈwɔːftɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sense of movement

Wafted refers to the act of sending or conveying something gently through the air. This is often used to describe scents or sounds that are carried on the breeze, creating a light and airy image of their movement.

Synonyms

carried, drifted, floated.

Examples of usage

  • The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
  • Music from the party wafted down the street.
  • Her perfume wafted toward him as she passed by.
  • The leaves wafted softly in the light breeze.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, wafted is often used to describe the delicate movement of fragrances, enhancing the imagery of a scene.
  • Classic novels sometimes employ wafted to evoke nostalgia, with scents reminding characters of past events.
  • The metaphorical use of wafted in literature illustrates how memories can drift into consciousness, much like a gentle breeze.

Science

  • The process of wafting involves diffusion, where particles spread from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.
  • In culinary science, chefs often waft steam or aromas towards themselves to assess the quality of cooked food.
  • Wafting is also linked to how certain compounds release scents, influencing our sense of smell and taste in cooking.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique rituals involving wafting, such as the Japanese custom of wafting incense during tea ceremonies.
  • In some Indian traditions, wafting flower petals is a way to purify a space during religious ceremonies.
  • In Western cooking, wafting is encouraged when baking to better appreciate the freshness of baked goods.

Pop Culture

  • In film, wafted sounds are often used in scenes where scents are pivotal to storytelling, helping to create a sensory experience.
  • Popular songs sometimes mention the wafting of breeze or scents as a metaphor for romance or nostalgia.
  • Wafting can be depicted in cartoons as a humorous way to show characters following their noses, leading to quirky adventures.

Origin of 'wafted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English word 'waften,' which meant to carry or convey.
  • Its Old English root 'waftian' highlights a connection to the idea of blowing or moving something lightly.
  • The word has evolved through various uses, often describing scents or sounds drifting through the air.

The word 'waft' has its roots in the Middle English term 'waften', which meant 'to blow or to breathe.' This term likely originated from the Old Norse word 'veifa', meaning 'to wave' or 'to move lightly in the air'. Over time, 'waft' evolved to encompass not just the physical act of waving or moving, but also the broader concept of carrying sounds or scents through the air. The use of 'waft' in English literature can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was often used in poetic and descriptive passages to evoke a sense of gentleness and delicacy associated with the movement of air. The versatility of the word has allowed it to remain relevant in modern usage, often appearing in writing that aims to evoke sensory experiences.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,483, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.