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Waive: meaning, definitions and examples

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waive

[weɪv ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Old English word 'waiven', which means to 'vacate' or 'leave'.
  • Influenced by the Middle French word 'gaiver', meaning to abandon or forsake.
  • The word has been used in legal contexts since the 16th century to describe the act of surrendering a claim.

Legal Context

  • In law, waiving a right can have significant consequences, such as the loss of certain protections.
  • Commonly found in contracts, where one party may waive their right to sue or seek damages.
  • In some cases, waiving a right must be done explicitly, ensuring that both parties understand the agreement.

Pop Culture

  • Waiving rights has appeared in various movies, often showcasing characters giving up their claims dramatically.
  • Many television shows reference waiving rights in comedic or serious situations, especially in legal dramas.
  • Certain reality TV shows involve contestants waiving their rights to privacy during filming.

Psychology

  • The decision to waive a right often involves complex emotional and social factors, including trust and negotiation.
  • People might waive certain reactions or emotions in therapeutic settings to move forward healthily.
  • A theory suggests that individuals who are willing to waive minor rights may build better team dynamics and trust.

Business

  • Businesses may often waive fees to attract customers, promoting goodwill and customer loyalty.
  • Waiving certain rights during negotiations can sometimes lead to more favorable business agreements.
  • In service contracts, companies might waive responsibilities as part of liability agreements.

Translations

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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.