Waive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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waive
[weɪv ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| waive |
Used when intentionally giving up a right or claim, often in a legal or formal context.
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| forgo |
Used when consciously deciding not to engage in a desired activity or benefit, typically for some greater cause or reason.
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| relinquish |
Used when giving up something, such as power or control, often as a result of necessity or external pressure.
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| 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.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| 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.
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| cut |
Commonly used to indicate the reduction of something such as budgets, services, or physical objects. Often heard in business, economics, and everyday conversations.
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| 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.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'waive'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.