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Waif Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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waif

[weษชf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lost child

A waif is a child who has no home or friends and who is often hungry or in need of help.

Synonyms

foundling, orphan, stray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waif

Often used to describe a thin, neglected child, especially one without a home or friends. It carries a sense of abandonment or vulnerability.

  • The little waif wandered the streets, hoping for a kind soul to offer help.
  • She found a waif-like girl hiding under the bridge.
orphan

Used to describe a child whose parents are deceased. It is a more general term and can be used in various contexts from casual to formal.

  • After the accident, he became an orphan and was taken to a foster home.
  • The story is about an orphan who overcomes great odds.
stray

Typically used for animals, especially pets, that have no home. It can also be applied to people in a metaphorical sense, though it can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • They found a stray cat and decided to adopt it.
  • He felt like a stray in the crowded city, with no place to call home.
foundling

Refers to an abandoned child who has been found and cared for by others. It often has historical connotations or is used in formal contexts.

  • The orphanage took in a foundling they discovered at their doorstep.
  • In history, many foundlings were left at church doors.

Examples of usage

  • She was a waif, with no family to take care of her.
  • The authorities found a waif wandering the streets alone.
Context #2 | Noun

thin and fragile person

A waif can also refer to a person, especially a young woman, who is thin and delicate in appearance.

Synonyms

delicate, fragile, slender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waif

This term usually refers to a person, often a child, who is thin and appears neglected or homeless. It can evoke a sense of pity or concern.

  • The waif stood alone on the street corner, shivering in the cold.
  • She took in the waif, offering him food and shelter.
fragile

Choose this word to describe someone or something that is easily broken or damaged. It often carries a connotation of physical weakness or vulnerability.

  • The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it fell.
  • Her fragile health required constant care.
slender

This term is best used to describe someone who is thin in a graceful and attractive way. It often has a positive connotation.

  • She has a slender figure that many admire.
  • The slender branches of the tree swayed gently in the breeze.
delicate

Use this word to describe someone or something that is very fine, elegant, or sensitive. This can apply to physical appearance or emotional sensitivity.

  • The delicate flowers were easily damaged by the storm.
  • His delicate response to the criticism showed his emotional sensitivity.

Examples of usage

  • She looked like a waif, with her pale skin and slender frame.
  • The model had the waif-like beauty that was popular in the fashion industry.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous literary characters often described as waifs include Oliver Twist from Charles Dickens' novel, portraying the plight of orphans.
  • In A.A. Milne's 'Winnie-the-Pooh', the character of Piglet can be seen as a waif, small and timid yet full of heart.
  • Modern novels and films often explore themes of waif-like characters to highlight issues of alienation and survival.

Psychology

  • Waif-like characters in stories are often used to stimulate empathy in readers, evoking feelings of compassion.
  • Research shows that vulnerable characters can influence audience perceptions and emotional responses to societal issues like homelessness.
  • The archetype may also serve as a metaphor for fragility in human experience, encouraging deeper connections with 'waifs' in real life.

Art

  • In visual art, waif representations often evoke pathos, showing subjects with exaggerated thinness to convey suffering.
  • Artists like Jean-Franรงois Millet portrayed waif-like figures to explore themes of poverty and the human condition in works like 'The Gleaners'.
  • Photographers in contemporary art frequently capture waif-inspired models to highlight issues around body image and societal expectations.

Origin of 'waif'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'waif' meaning 'stray' or 'abandoned', first used in English in the late 14th century.
  • Originally, it was a term used in English law to refer to stray animals or goods, but shifted to denote people in need over time.
  • The term reflects a sense of being lost or without a protector, highlighting vulnerability throughout its history.

The word 'waif' originated in the 14th century from the Old French word 'waif', meaning 'unclaimed property'. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to a homeless or abandoned person, especially a child. In literature, the concept of the 'waif' has been romanticized, often portraying a character who is vulnerable and in need of protection.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,113 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.