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Waif: meaning, definitions and examples

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waif

 

[ weɪf ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "waif" in other languages:

🇵🇹 criança abandonada

🇮🇳 परित्यक्त बच्चा

🇩🇪 verlassenes Kind

🇮🇩 anak terlantar

🇺🇦 покинута дитина

🇵🇱 porzucone dziecko

🇯🇵 捨て子

🇫🇷 enfant abandonné

🇪🇸 niño abandonado

🇹🇷 terk edilmiş çocuk

🇰🇷 버려진 아이

🇸🇦 طفل مهجور

🇨🇿 opustěné dítě

🇸🇰 opustené dieťa

🇨🇳 被遗弃的孩子

🇸🇮 zapustljen otrok

🇮🇸 yfirgefið barn

🇰🇿 тасталмаған бала

🇬🇪 მიტოვებული ბავშვი

🇦🇿 tərk edilmiş uşaq

🇲🇽 niño abandonado

Etymology

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.