Wane: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a gradual decrease in strength, intensity, or importance over time, often in relation to natural phenomena or abstract concepts.

• Her enthusiasm for the project began to wane after several setbacks.
• As summer comes to an end, the daylight hours start to wane.

Used to indicate a reduction in size, importance, or value, often subtly or gradually. Can be applied to tangible or intangible things.

• The bright light from the lamp started to diminish as the bulb aged.
• With time, the memory of the event began to diminish.

More commonly used to signify a reduction or decrease, often with a sense of deterioration, and can be applied to various contexts such as business, health, quality, etc.

• The company's profits continued to decline for the third consecutive quarter.
• His health began to decline after the accident.

Often used to describe a slow, almost imperceptible decrease in color, light, or intensity. Commonly linked to visual or auditory perceptions.

• The colors in the painting have started to fade due to sunlight exposure.
• The joyous laughter slowly faded into silence.

Used to describe a loss of strength, power, or effectiveness, whether physical, emotional, or structural.

• The old bridge has weakened over the years; it needs urgent repairs.
• After days of struggling without food, the survivors grew increasingly weakened.