Waive: meaning, definitions and examples

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waive

 

[ weɪv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal

To refrain from insisting on or enforcing a rule, right, or claim. It can also refer to intentionally giving up a legal right.

Synonyms

forgo, relinquish, surrender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waive

Used when intentionally giving up a right or claim, often in a legal or formal context.

  • She decided to waive her right to the inheritance.
  • The company will waive the usual fees for this service.
forgo

Used when consciously deciding not to engage in a desired activity or benefit, typically for some greater cause or reason.

  • He chose to forgo the dessert to maintain his diet.
  • They decided to forgo the vacation this year to save money.
relinquish

Used when giving up something, such as power or control, often as a result of necessity or external pressure.

  • After the accident, he had to relinquish his driver's license.
  • The king was forced to relinquish his throne.
surrender

Used in situations of admitting defeat or giving up something completely, often with a sense of compulsion or resignation. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The soldiers had to surrender after being surrounded.
  • She decided to surrender her pride and apologize.

Examples of usage

  • The landlord decided to waive the late fee for the tenant.
  • The company waived their right to pursue legal action against the competitor.
Context #2 | Verb

sports

To release a player from a team before their contract is up, allowing them to become a free agent and sign with another team.

Synonyms

cut, drop, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waive

Used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that you are giving up a right or claim. Typically seen in legal agreements or formal policies.

  • She decided to waive her right to a trial.
  • The company agreed to waive the additional fees.
release

Often used when letting something go, such as a person from a contract, a prisoner, or a product to the public. It can be formal depending on the context.

  • The company plans to release the new model next month.
  • He was released from prison after serving five years.
cut

Commonly used to indicate the reduction of something such as budgets, services, or physical objects. Often heard in business, economics, and everyday conversations.

  • They had to cut the budget by 10%.
  • She cut the paper with scissors.
drop

Usually used when you stop doing something or when something is let go or released accidentally. This word can be informal and is often used in casual conversations.

  • He decided to drop the course.
  • She accidentally dropped her phone.

Examples of usage

  • The team decided to waive the veteran player to make room for younger talent.
  • The player was waived by his team and quickly picked up by another franchise.

Translations

Translations of the word "waive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 renunciar

🇮🇳 छोड़ देना

🇩🇪 verzichten

🇮🇩 melepaskan

🇺🇦 відмовлятися

🇵🇱 zrzec się

🇯🇵 放棄する (ほうきする)

🇫🇷 renoncer

🇪🇸 renunciar

🇹🇷 feragat etmek

🇰🇷 포기하다

🇸🇦 يتنازل

🇨🇿 vzdát se

🇸🇰 vzdať sa

🇨🇳 放弃 (fàngqì)

🇸🇮 odpovedati se

🇮🇸 afþakka

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარი თქვას

🇦🇿 imtina etmək

🇲🇽 renunciar

Etymology

The word 'waive' originated from the Old North French word 'weyver', which means 'to abandon'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, 'waive' evolved to encompass the meanings of relinquishing rights or claims, particularly in legal contexts. The sports-related usage of 'waive' developed in the mid-20th century within the realm of team contracts and player releases.

See also: waiver.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,760 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.